of the Atlantic Charter, a stable government expressing the will of the   
                people could be constituted.                
 
                                                            
 
 
The subject of Communism raises the question of the Russian attitude   
toward Poland.  I assume the pricipal preoccupation of hte Holy See in the   
Polish boundary question arises from the fact that within the territory   
east of the projected Curzon Line a portion of the population is of Roman   
Catholic religious persuation.  The concern of the Holy See naturally   
follows to protect its children in the free exercise of their faith, and   
that assurance by Russia must be given and acted upon to guarantee them   
therein.  The question then arises how could such guarantees be expressed   
               and could they be relied upon?               
 
                                                            
 
 
In viewing the broader question of the Russian attitude re freedom of   
religion generally- foolwing my discussion with His Holiness in 1941 and   
1942, I caried on a lengthy discussion in London with Russian Ambassador   
Maisky.  We reached a point where the Ambassador enquired what form of   
statement of assurance to be made by MArshal Stalin would be acceptable.   
I did not feel competent to phrase such a vital statement without   
consultation.  I informed His Holiness that I discussed the subject with  
the President of the United States, with Secretary Hull and others,   
including members of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in America.  The  
             following statement was envolved:              
 
                                                            
 
 
I. "Because of the loyal participation in the defense of the Fatherland   
         by all Russian people under the direction