Special Representative To the Vatican

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 304, 26 December 1939, Page 7

Special Representative To the Vatican

ENDEAVOURS FOR PEACE AND ALLEVIATION OF SUFFERING Received Monday, 9.30 p.m. WASHINGTON, Dec. 24. President Roosevelt lias appointed Mr. Myron C. Taylor as his personal representative at the Vatican with ihi rank of Ambassador but without portfolio, to further common endeavours towards peace. Mr. Taylor is a Protestant. President E-oosevelt, in a letter t-o l'is Holiness, says: “At present no spiritual or civil leader could proceed with a specific plan to terminate destruction and build anew, yet the time for it will surely come. It is, therefore, my thought that it is well we should encourage a closer association between those throughout the world—those in religion and in government —who have a common purpose. “I am, therefore, suggesting to your Holiness that it would give satisfaction to'me to send a personal representative in order that our parallel endeavours for peace and the alleviation &of suffering may be assisted. ’ ’ Continuing his letter, Mr. Roosevelt states: * 4 When the time comes for the re-establishment of world peace on a surer foundation, it is of the utmost importance to humanity and religion that our common ideals should be expressed unitedly. Furthermore, great problems of practical import will then face all. Millions of all races and nationalities may seek new lives by migration or the re-establishment of old homes. Here also our common ideals seek parallel action. I trust, therefore, that all the World’s churches, believing in a common God, will throw their influence into this great cause. * *To you whom I have the privilege of calling a good friend and an old friend, my respectful greetings.— Signed, cordially yours.” Similar letters were sent to Rev. George Buttrick, president of the United States Federal Council of the Churches of Christ, and Rabbi Cyrus Adler. Mr. Taylor’s appointment is seen as part of President Roosevelt’s preparation for a serious effort toward peace, Washington believing that unless hostilities are ended by the spring Europe’s war machines will be unleashed in earnest. The appointment does not constitute the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Vatican terminated hy Congress, hut it will be as effective for President Roosevelt’s purposes. Broadcasting to tho American nation, President Roosevelt gave thanks for the interlude of Christmas in a world ‘ ‘bowed under the burden of man’s inhumanity to man.” The President said: “Let us forbear to give thanks only for our good fortune in our peace. Let us rather pray that we may be given strength to live for others.” Pope’s Fear of Bolshevism WAK WEAKENING NATIONS TO PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA Received Monday, 9.20 p.m. VATICAN CITY, Dec. 24. The Pope, replying to Christmas greetings from the College of Cardinals, suggested that the belligerents begin now to consider their war aims. Their projects for a better world peace should he honourable for small nations as well as large. Among the problems to be faced were the creation of new judicial institutions for the future maintenance of peace, the settlement of minorities and the assurance of freedom in religions practice. The Pope condemned the armaments race and urged Governments to check this as speedily as possible. He strongly denounced Russia for the invasion of Finland which * ‘ calls for vengeance of the vendetta." lie also dwelt on his fears for the economic, social and spiritual future as a result of Bolshevism and was afraid the drain of war would weaken the nations into a state of pernicious anaemia.