A DIPLOMATIC SENSATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13454, 5 April 1907, Page 5

A DIPLOMATIC SENSATION.

DISCLOSURES IN SEIZED

DOCUMENTS

CHURCH DIGNATARY CHARGED WITH FABRICATION. By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association.—Copyright. (Received April 4. 10.16 p.m.) Paris. April 4. A sensation has been caused in Paris by the publication of documents found at the house of Monsignor who acted as semi-offici||| s representative of the Pope after the recall of the nuncio last year. Amongst casual references in the documents to King Edward's visit to Rome, the Pop* stated in one of them that King Edward had declined an escort from the Quirinal as not respectful to the Vatican.

Monsignor Montagnini, in one of his letters, alleges that Sir Francis Bertie, British Ambassador to Paris, was bitter against the Kaiser, anil disapproved of the separation of Church and State. He also declares that one deputy, "on pious authority." had informed him that the Premier (M. Clemenceau) wanted money, and could be bribed to become more moderate towards the Church, but that it muse be a large sum. The Premier (M. Clemenceau) gives a flat denial to certain alleged conversations with him quoted in the letters, and accuses Monsignor Montagnini of fabricating them for his own ends. M. Ruau (Minister for Agriculture) also denies a statement attributed to him in the letters. London, April 4. The Paris correspondent of the Times, referring to the Montagnini documents that have been published, says that nobody acquainted with SirFrancis Bertie can suppose that he. assumed the confidential tone with Monsignor Montagnini attributed to him in the letters, especially as the conversation was said to have taken place at their first meeting. *