itself aloof. General Maglione pointed out, however, that even though he
could ot refuse teh request, he did seize that opportunity, while agreeing
to receive a Japanese representative, to state quite clearly to the
intermediary that a Chinese representation would also be accepted by the
Holy See. His Eminence declared that this was a very delicate point at
the time, since he did not know then that the Chinese would seek to open
diplomatic relations with the Holy See. He added that he had done this
principally as a precautionary measure, and he thought that it was an
important point. He added, by way of and "aside", that the Japanese were
not very pleased to hear of it.
III.Ambassador Taylor stated that there is a general impression, not only
in America, but also in Europe and elsewhere-an impression of which His
Excellency has personally seen much evidence- that the Holy Father should
again speak out against the inhuman treatment of refugees and hostages-
and especially of the Jews- in occupied territories. Mr. Taylor also
pointed out that this general call for a statement from His Holiness comes
not only from Catholics but from protestants as well, and added that he
had heard it in America, in Lisbon , in Madris, and anywhere that he has
gone in recent months. His Eminence, in reply, declared that the Holy See
has been working incessantly for the relief of the unfortuante peoples of
the occupied countries and very particularly for ht erefugees and for the
Jews. The secretariat of State and other Vatican agencies, he said , are
constantly devoting themselves to these problems. Furthermore, Cardinal
Maglione declared, representatives of the Catholic Church in various con
tries have interested themselves in the question and have been quite
outspoken in their condemnation of this inhuman treatment of the peoples
of their