Appointment by President Roosevelt of Myron C. Taylor as the President’s personal representative to Pope Pius XII1

1. The sending of a special representative to the Vatican had evidently been considered by the President for some time. The letter of August 1, 1939, from Under Secretary of State Welles to President Roosevelt and the correspondence with Ambassador Phillips at Rome therein referred to appears to be the earliest record of consideration by the Department of State of such representation.


[842] Memorandum by President Roosevelt to the Secretary of State

121.866A/Original


[843] President Roosevelt to Pope Pius XII

740.00119 European War 1939/208


[844] The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Phillips)

121.866A/2a: Telegram


[845] President Roosevelt to Mr. Myron G. Taylor

121.866A/2


[846] The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

121.866A/1: Telegram


[847] The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State

121.866A/2: Telegram

  1. File copy dated December 23, 1939, but letter was not sent until February 4, 1940.