December 23, 1942                      
 
                                                            
 
                   My Dear Mr. President:                   
 
                                                            
 
 
You will remember that on November 30 I submitted for your signature a   
draft reply to the Pope's letter which Myron Taylor brought to you from   
Vatican City.  Because of the interuption of our pouchservice to Vatican   
ity via Bern, it has not been possible to forward the letter
 
                                                            
 
 
Mr. Tittmann, the Charge d'Affaires at Vatican City, will be received in   
audience by the Pope before the end of the month.  In view of this and the   
Holiday Season, Myron Taylor has suggested that we cable your reply and   
include in it a Christmas message to the Pope to be presented personally   
                      by Mr. Tittmann.                      
 
                                                            
 
 
I am enclosing a draft telegram for your approval if you concur in this   
                        suggestion.                         
 
                                                            
 
                     Faithfully yours,                      
 
                       Sumner Welles                        
 
                                                            
 
                         Enclosure:                         
 
                       Draft Telegram                       
 
                                                            
 
                       The President                        
 
                      The White House.