MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
 
     
 
 
I think it is worthwhile to Monsignor Cicognani in very polit language:
 
    
 
 
 (a) That we fully realize all that the Pope has said about Rome as a whole and that we have   
no desire to destroy any church property or historic monuments.
 
    
 
 
 (b) That, nevertheless, because war is war we must recognize that Rome is the center of the   
Italian government and is of definite use to that government in conducting the war against us.    
This applies also to the fact that many Germans help to run Italy, with German staffs located in   
Rome itself.
 
    
 
 
 (c) Therefore, in order to be fair and equally just to both sides, we suggest that the Vatican   
try to have Rome declared an open city i.e. that all military installations, activities and personnel   
of Itlay be removed from Rome, together with the use of all railroad facilities in and about Rome   
for military purposes.  This, of course, would require the cooperative consent of the British,   
but I agree with Myron that it is worthwhile discussing.
 
     
 
 
What do you think?
 
 
 
F.D.R.
 
 
 
Letter from Hon. Myron C. Taylor, 6/25/43, to the President, with enclosed letter which Mr. Taylor   
received from Archbishop Laodicea, Apostolic, A.G. Cicognani, 6/25/43, in re bombing of Rome.