Six Bombs Dropped in Vatican City

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 52, 4 March 1944, Page 5

Six Bombs Dropped in Vatican City

VERY CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE CAUSED Received Friday, 8.50 p.m. LONDON, March 3. The Vatican radio quoted an Osservatore Romano report that six bombs were dropped on the Vatican City before midnight last night. One person was killed and a priest was injured. The paper added: “Many windows in the Palace and Holy Office were broken, splinters penetrating some of the apartments. Many windows were broken in St. Peter’s oratory and the Church of the Institute. Very considerable damage was also done to buildings within the area of the International College and the St. Monica building of the College of Propaganda was severely damaged, some of the walls collapsing. ’ ’ The Rome radio quoted the Osservatore Romano as saying: “The raid was against places which arß not only devoid of military objectives but are close to the Vatican and Basilica. The Vatican State is a sovereign neutral i State and its extraterritoriality has been guaranteed by solemn treaty. That is a reply of wanton irreverence to the repeated appeals made by the Holy I’ather for the Eternal City. The assault , on the Eternal City is deplorable beyond words.” “No large German forces are quartered in Rome itself so far as is known ; and accordingly the city has been ; spared,” said Mr. H. L. Stimson (War Secretary) according to a Washington message. Railway communications and : airfields in the vicinity of Rome have - been repeatedly attacked in recent ; weeks. The Paris radio announced that Cardinal Maglione, Vatican Secretary ’ I of State, conveyed to diplomats ac- ! credited to the Vatican the full text ,! of the note of protest to the Angloi American forces regarding the destruc tion of Monte Cassino monastery.