My dear Myron, Your letter of July 17 jon your interview with His Holiness on July 12, 194 and subsequent conversation with Monsignor Tardini was most interesting. I trust that you will continue to keep me informed of Vatican thinking on ese important problems which are of so much concern to us al I have considered at lenght the question of obtaining some Soviet assurance on the religious question but have reached the reluctent conclusion that at this particular moment it would be unwise to raise the issue openly. Our Rusian Allies, as well you know, are most sensitive, and for us to press for a commintment from them now might be interpreted as an affront in view of the various statements they have made during the past year concerning freedom of worship in the Soviet Union. For the same reason I fear it would be highly dangerous to inject the question of religious freedom into the Dumbarton Oaks discussions, imasmuch as such discussion could be directed toward only one participant. This is am issue which perhaps we cannot and should not attempt to force by any frontal assault. Might it not be preferable to exert our influence quietly and constantly and, instead of seeking to obtain a formal commitment to respect freedom of religion, to use our good offices whenever possible in the practical tests of Soviet respect for that principle? The Vatican itself, from your report, is wary of statments and intent upon concrete application. I am looking forward to your further reports and shall be interested in having your further reports and shall be interested in having your reaction to the foregoing. Sincerely yours, The Honorable Myron C. Taylor, Special Representative of the President at the Vatican, Vatican City. |