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               German Unconditional Surrender               
 
                                                            
 
 
Germany to end the cycle of events in this five year period. That   
urrender is a matter of months only - it may be of weeks onl
 
                                                            
 
 
From the moment of the unconditional surrender of  
Germany the military, for years to come, must impose severe  
terms upon that country. I believe that tomy requests for alleviation of   
national hardships upon Germany, by individuals and groups, will find   
their way to the Vatican. That is the case new with respect to Italy. The   
procedure in practically all such cases should be to refer such requests   
to the military authorities for decision. This Mission will not be in a   
position to consider or determine any question of relaxation of the terms   
imposed. Relatively few such requests should be referred  to you or to the   
State Department. This does not call for exercise of judgment or decision   
on the part of this Mission, as the military should dominate for a long   
                       time to come.                        
 
                                                            
 
 
Great questions of political character are then unlikely  
to be presented or considered by the Vatican. I am led to be-  
lieve the Vatican will more and more feel that it should abstain  
from matters particularly political. It has an interest in the Catholic   
groups in all States. It will hesitate to become involved in internal   
State politics. Except through the medium of the World Organization of   
              which I am inclined to think the