Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-04-16
Hull Assures BRIDGES
| Rome S Status in War
Is Being Restudied

The whole question of the
status of Rome is again being
actively considered, Secretary
Hull disclosed late yesterday and
attention will be given a sugges-
ton that the city be demili-
tarized by a joint Allied-Axis
commission under the chair
manship of Pope Plus XII.
In letter to Senator Bridges, Re-
publican, of New Hampshire, dated
April IA. the Secretary made known
that new studies are underway to
spare Rome from the ravages OF
war.
You, of course, realize that i'm
portant military considerations are
involved and that our Allies in the
Italian campaign must be con-
suited" Secretary Hull said.
Urged United States Take Lead.
A week ago Senator Bridges pro-
posed in a letter to President Roose-
welt that this country take the lead
in a move to demilitarize the Italian
capital because of its cultural, his
toric and religious Importance.
He suggested Mr.. Roosevelt pro-
pose a special commission composed
OF two or more military representa-
tives Of the United Nations and an
equal number of military repre-
sentatives of the enemy, with the
Pope as impartial chairman. to
make arrangements whereby neither
side would make any military use
Of the city.
III the Germans failed to accep,
the proposal" Senator Bridges said
1T would show very clearly theil
utter disregard for Rome and the
unique place it holds in the reli-
gious world"
Mr.. Hull said Mr.. Roosevelt, who
is away from Washington for q
rest, had asked him to acknowledge
the letter and he told the Senator
I am grateful to you for. your
interest and the concrete propose
which you have made. I wish t
assure you that it will be considered
and that the whole question of tn.
status of Rome is again being &C.
lively considered by the interested
governments and their militar,
authorities"
Big Response to Proposal.
While he said he did not con
slider Mr.. Hull's letter all admins.
tration commitment to undertake
the formation of the proposed com.
mission. Senator Bridges told a re.
porter he had received a "tremen.
dous" public response to his origina
proposal.
Some Of the comments have beer
critical but the majority were favor.
able, including opinions expressed
by some Of the leading church ON.
Gals of all religions and some OF tn,
members Of the Armys high com.
mand," Gen. Bridges said.
The New Hampshire Senator, whit
Is q member Of the Military Com.
mittee, said he was convinced that .
battle to take Rome from the Axi.
troops would involve fighting ane
casualties hundreds Of timex a.
great" as incurred in the battle fol
Casino.
He said he was heartened by Mr.
Hull's statement that the American
military and diplomatic authoritie,
are alive to the historical and re.
ligious significance of Rome ane
that the State Department has KEEP
these under continuous considera.
ton.
Pope Appealed March IL.
Pope Plus appealed to Allied and
German leaders on March IL tt
spare Rome from becoming q
battle-ground and at that time Sec.
rotary Hull said it was the hope
Of the Allies that this could b
done.
Secl etary Hull declared the
blame would be on the German.
II Rome did suffer and pointed to
the announced Allied policy OF
avoiding damage to cultural and
religious monuments except when
the Nazis turned them to mill
tary use.
The Allies have bombed rail
yards and facilities at Rome. but
the high command has emphasized
extreme precautions against dam
age to the city itself or to Vat
lean City.
The text Of Mr.. Hulls letter to
Senator Bridges:
MY dear Senator Bridges:
The President has requested me
In his absence, to acknowledge YOU,
letter of April 7, 1914, expressins
your wish that Rome might bt