Vatican `leaving it to him'

From Alan McElwain
ROME, Wednesday VATICAN authorities would very much like Cardinal Mindszenty to come to Rome permanently but are leaving it to him entirely to decide if he should.
The feeling is that, in present conditions, his coining to Rome would be very useful from the Church's point of view. It has been made known to him that he would receive a high appointment with the Curia where his knowledge of Iron Curtain affairs, especially at this delicate juncture of ChurchCommunist relations, would be particularly useful.
VACANT SEES
it is also felt that his departure would open the way towards the filling of the four vacant sees in Hungary itself. Under a law passed in 1959, the State took the right to till all Church posts and it could appoint "Bishops" from the "national Catholic Church" in Hungary. So far, however, the State has not acted under this law.
It is believed in the Vatican that the Government would accept Rome's nominees to the vacant sees if Cardinal Mindszenty agrees to leave the country and that an agreement on this issue would lead to a more general arrangement to normalise ChurchState relations in Hungary.
Cardinal Mindszcnty's own attitude is. therefore, the only consideration to have any influence on the outcome. The Vatican recognises that he has consistently refused to seek release on the grounds that this would be tantamount to an admission of guilt. The new amnesty does not apply to those convicted. as Cardinal Mindszenty was, of high treason and he would have to apply personally for release.
Reports reaching Rome. however, suggest the Cardinal may be changing his attitude to some extent. It is understood that he is in a highly nervous state and that relations between him and the American Legation where he is staying are somewhat strained.
One possible compromise solution mentioned in Rome is that the Cardinal may be released on condition that he retires to a village and ceases to play any active part in Church affairs in Hungary.