I feel compelled to give you an explanation in view of a recent report by the Havas Agencys Berlin office regarding the Austrian Episcopates action, the Cardinal writes. According to it, such action was determined in an interview in Berlin between the Papal Nuncio and Herr von Ribbentrop.
I affirm that the Bishops solemn declaration was totally unconnected with that meeting. It was a spontaneous reaction to a historic event the reunion of Austria with the Reich. The preface to the declaration made that clear.
I must repudiate another Havas statement namely, that in issuing the declaration the Austrian Episcopate sought to make a gesture calculated to lessen the tension between the church and the State. To make gestures at such a momentous time would be undignified for Bishops.
I reiterate that our joint declaration and our attitude toward the plebiscite were manifestations of a deep conviction rooted in our German blood.
In these historic days I express the desire that our appeal may prove a turning point in the religious and cultural life of our German people, inaugurating a period of reconciliation between church, State and party.
May I hope that this letter may serve to prevent any future misinterpretation of our action.
Yours sincerely,
Heil Hitler,
Theodor Cardinal Innitzer.
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