Letter from Seán MacBride to George Garrett (Dublin)

My Dear George,
I am writing this personal note to you in connexion with a matter which, while of importance, I do not want to take up through official channels. As you know, the Vatican are holding religious celebrations in connection with the Holy Year, which begins in 1950. The opening ceremonies take place in Rome on December 24th, and I expect to attend these on behalf of my Government.

I do not know whether the President of the United States proposes to be specially represented at the opening ceremonies, or has yet had an opportunity of considering the matter. While I quite appreciate that political or other considerations might render it difficult for the President to be specially represented, it occurred to me that the matter is one which should receive consideration, quite apart from religious issues.

I feel that in these difficult times, it is of particular importance to give as much emphasis as possible to spiritual values and to underline the Christian basis upon which our civilisation rests. The attendance of a member of the United States Government at the opening ceremonies in the Vatican would be an important gesture of moral support and solidarity.

Even if it were not possible for the President to be represented in the full official sense, perhaps some member of the United States Government, such as Maurice Tobin or Howard McGrath could attend and convey the President's greetings. This, I feel certain, would be much appreciated by the Vatican and by the Catholic population of the world.

This matter may, of course, have been fully considered in Washington, but I felt that I would mention it to you in this informal way in case that, in the pressure of events, it had escaped attention.