HC Deb 20 January 1943 vol 386 cc183-4
8. Mr. Ammon

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any expression of sympathy has been sought or obtained from the Vatican in support of the declaration, condemning the atrocities committed on the Jewish people by the German authorities, made by the British and other European Governments and the Government of the United States of America?

Mr. Eden

The Vatican were officially informed of the joint declaration on this subject made by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom and other Governments of the United Nations on 17th December last. The attitude of the Vatican towards all such acts at variance with Christianity and humanity has been frequently stated and most recently by the Pope in his last Christmas Eve broadcast.

Mr. Ammon

Has any statement been made with reference to the recent announcement regarding Jewish atrocities?

Mr. Eden

Since we made that announcement the Pope in his broadcast condemned the persecution of hundreds of thousands of people who, through no fault of their own, sometimes only owing to their nationality or descent, are condemned to death or to slow decline.

Miss Rathbone

Might not something more specific than that very mild reference be elicited from his Holiness?

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