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  LETTER TO LUIGI CARDINAL MAGLIONE VATICAN SECRETARY OF STATE

  HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL

  It has come to the attention of the SS Sicherheitsdienst in Rome that on Thursday 27 January an unidentified member of the Vatican staff illegally took possession of an ancient bronze head belonging to the newly formed Department of Treasures and Antiquities of the Third Reich.

  As senior officer investigating this case, I must ask that the property is returned to my care immediately. Complete confidentiality between us in this matter is essential. I need hardly add that the Führer's proposals to move the Vatican to Germany may well be influenced in Rome's favor by the fullest co-operation of the Vatican with the German powers.

  MANFRED KESSEL,

  STURMBANNFÜHRER-SS, SS SD, ROME.

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