MEMORANDUM RE BOMBING ROME   
GIVEN MYRON TAYLOR SEPTEMBER 17 1941  
BY  
                 HIS HOLINESS POPE PIUS XII                 
 
                                                            
 
 
According to a B. B. C. broadcast from London August 24th, the   
Commander of the British bombing forces stated that they intend to bomb   
even Rome, since they entertain no false sentiments. The Secretariat of   
State has pointed out to Mr. Osborne and to Mr. Tittmann that, if the   
Vatican City State or any of the basilicas, churches or pontifical                                                               
buildings and institutions in Rome (and they are very numerous and of very   
great historical and artistic importance) were to be hit, the Holy See   
could not remain silent. Nor would it be well that, with cordial relations   
existing between the Holy See and England, anything should happen to  
modify or disturb them, Mr. Tittmann gave assurance that he would bring the   
matter to the attention of the American Government which would doubtlessly   
    appreciate the importance and gravity of the matter.    
 
                                                            
 
 
 (Note.   Mr. Taylor presented this subject to the Prime Minister   
at "Chequers" on Sunday, September 28, 1941, and on Monday, September 29,   
1941, to foreign Minister Eden. Later Mr. Taylor presented  this Memorandum   
                    to The President.)