ground.                           
 
                                                            
 
 
Such propaganda is indeed very cleverly carried on, nor does it reveal to   
the inexperienced the erroneous principles from which it springs and on   
which it bases itself;  in fact it rather proclaims even a tollerance and   
an understanding for the Catholic Religion, respect for the Faith and   
religious practice and offers collaboration.  Thus is renewed the policy   
of the "Extended Hand", already tried in other countries.  However,   
because of the sad consequences which it has had, one cannot but entertain   
                   very serious concern.                    
 
                                                            
 
 
4. Even recently there have been authoritative and not unimportant   
declarations by prominent persons and by representatives of various   
sections of the press, expressing from time to time, optimistic judgments   
on the religion situation in Russia and on the character of Soviet   
Communism at the present time and on its forms of propaganda
 
                                                            
 
 
Notwithstanding all this, in view of what has been stated above and after   
the sad experiences of the past, it is necessary to follow a policy of   
             watchful expectation and reserve.              
 
                       JULY 13, 1944.