There is scarcely need to stress the fact, already well known, that His   
Holiness has done all in His power to alleviate the suffering and misery   
caused by the war, and this particularly in the interest of prisoners and   
internees, striving very especially to procure for them and for their   
        families the comfort of an exchange of news.        
 
                                                            
 
 
Receiving countless heart-rending appeals, especially in recent months from   
Italy and Rumania, for news of prisoners of war in the hands of the   
Russians, His Holiness has sought to give His attention also to these   
unfortunates, availing Himself, in this mission of mercy, of the good   
offices of the Govermuent of the United States of America, very especially,   
                   and of several others.                   
 
                                                            
 
 
Because all these efforts have thus far failed and in view of the constant   
increase in the number of requests received from all quarters, official   
and non-official, for some news of these prisoners, His Holiness does not   
hesitate now to make an appeal directly to His Excellency President   
Roosevelt, whose influence can be inestimable and perhaps decisive,   
especially since at present the desires of the Holy See in this regard   
could be easily satisfied. It is only asked that, in accordance with the   
usual international regulations, some information, of a general and   
nnocuous nature, regarding these prisoners be made available
 
                                                            
 
 
It is well to recall at this time that the Holy See has not ceased to   
  interest itself in the Russian prisoners in the hands of