HC Deb 14 April 1943 vol 388 c1187
6. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will take advantage of the presence in this country of the British Minister to the Vatican to discuss with him the possibility of requesting His Holiness the Pope to intervene on behalf of Jews in Nazi-dominated territory and in the matter of the chaining of prisoners, respectively?

Mr. Eden

The work of the Vatican for the relief of suffering resulting from the war is well known. The possibility of enlisting the assistance of His Holiness the Pope in favour of the categories of persons referred to by my hon. Friend will no doubt be borne in mind in the course of any discussions on the subject with His Majesty's Minister to the Holy See during his presence in this country.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are recent precedents for Papal intervention in these matters?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir, I will bear that in mind.