August, 1 1939
My dear Mr. President:
 
 
 
Some weeks ago the Secretary and I were speaking of the advantage which   
might be gained by this  Government if we had direct dilplomatic relations   
with the Vatican. I think it is unquestionable that the Vatican has many  
sources of information, particularly  with regard to  what is actually going  
on in Germany, Italy, and Spain, which we do not possess, and it seemed to   
us that the question of whether it would be desirable for our Government to  
obtain access to this information was of considerable importance.
 
 
 
AT Mr. Hull's suggestion I wrote a personal letter to Bill Phillips asking  
his opinion. I have this morning recieved Bill's reply under date of July 19  
and I am sending you a copy of his letter for your information.
 
 
 
Believe me
 Faithfully yours
 {Sumner Wells}
 Enclosure:
 From Ambassador Phlllips,
 July 19, 1939.
 
 
 
 
The President,
The White House.