The Secretariate of State to His Holiness has the honor to address this  
communication to the Personal Representation of the President of the United  
States of America to His Holiness the Pope for the purpose of making known the  
efforts which have been made and are being made by the Holm See to afford   
assistance to the stricken people of Poland.
 
    
 
 
 In carrying out Their sacred mission of apostolic charity, the Sovereign  
Pontiffs have always been in the forefront of those who seek to alleviate the  
suffering which is the inevitable concomitant and consequent of war. Thus   
during the world war of 1914-1918 the then Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Benedict XV  
of venerated memory, marshalled the resources of the Holy See, in men and in   
treasure, for the relief of the civilian populations in wartorn countries and  
for the amelioration of the lot of military prisoners. It is well known also   
that this Pontifical work in favor of afflicted humanity was continued   
throughout the period of destitution which, notably in Germany, followed the   
cessation of hostilities.
 
     
 
 
The sad conditions ensuing upon the occupation of Poland in the autumn of  
last year made an instant appeal to the paternal compassion of the present   
Holy Father who immediately sought by
 
 
 
 
 
To the Personal Representation
of the President of the United States of America
to His Holiness the Pope,
 
                   
 
 
 R 0 M E.