could not accept a definition of the city which would   
include the civil and military airports and railroad   
yards and tracks on the outskirts. In view of Rome's strategic   
position with relation to rail traffic between northern   
and southern Italy, it is not believed that the Italian   
Government would contemplate in any sincerity a proposal   
to abandon the use of the railroads in and around Rome for   
military purposes.
 
     
 
 
In my opinion, however, the most important consideration   
is the inability to obtain satisfactory assurances  
that the evacuation of military objectives from Rome had in fact   
been carried out. The Germans and the Fascist   
Government would have no scruples particularly in this   
critical moment in taking advantage of the Vatican's   
anxiety to preserve Rome from bombardment. The Vatican   
obviously does not have facilities to control the carrying   
out of the various commitments which the Fascist Government   
might undertake. Furthermore, in view of Italy's   
position within the Axis I do not believe that the Italian   
Government is a sufficiently free agent to fulfill any   
engagements which it might give to the Vatican City in