Department of State  
                     incoming telegram                      
 
                       Vatican City                         
 
                   Dated January 11, 1945                   
 
                      Rec'd 2:20 p.m.                       
 
                     Secretary of State                     
 
                         Washington                         
 
                    10 January 11, 2 pm                     
 
                FOR PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY                 
 
                                                            
 
 
At an audience with His holiness the Pope on Tuesday befor presenting a   
group of four American generals and 8 other army officers I reviewed the   
pr (*)  ness discussing at some length possible postwar position of   
several European countries noably France, Germany and Italy at the end of   
hostilities. It is obvious that very serious economic, political and   
social difficulties will arise and prevail for a long period.  Much   
concern is evidenced in all quarters as to extent to which America will   
give financial support in a continuing way to reconstruction and   
reestablishment of the means of communication and the basic industrial   
economy of all the nations of Europe.  It seems to be quite generally   
conceded that the most likely source of support would need be America.  In   
      view of this general wisdom as a general policy