Several months ago the Holy See informed us that it  
had received written assurances from the Italian Government  
that Mussolini, the Italian Supreme Command, the independent  
offices of the Italian army and navy and the military head-  
quarters in Rome of German armed forces were being trans-  
ferred away from Rome. However, we have no information  
that these transfers have been accomplished and in fact  
there is every evidence that Mussolini continues to use  
Rome as the capital of Fascist Italy.
 
 
 
In December last the British presented for our consideration   
certain proposals, looking to the evacuation of  
military objectives from Rome, which might be made to the  
Italian Government in return for a commitment not to bomb  
the capital. We maintained the attitude that those interested   
in the preservation of Rome from bombardment should  
take the initiative in demonstrating that it had been  
emptied of legitimate military targets. We have, up to the present,   
avoided specifying conditions under which we  
would give up our freedom of action with respect to the  
bombardment of Rome. It is my understanding that the  
Allied air forces will make every effort to avoid bombing  
Vatican property, churches or historical monuments in Rome.