Abstract
Th e article describes the complicated, problematic and sometimes critical relarelationship between Czechoslovakia and Holy See in the light of the materials of the Congregation for extraordinary ecclesiastical aff airs (Segreteria di Stato, Sezione per i Rapporti con gli Stati, Archivio Storico, Congregazione degli Aff ari EcclesiasticiStraordinari, fondo Rapporti-Sessioni). They illuminate which questions were substantial for Holy See in connection with Czechoslovakia, the frequency of the meetings on this subject, and the personal opinion of members of this Congregation.
In comparison with the materials from the Czech Archives is possible to depict the topics which were crucial for the one side or the other and whether and where was space for negotiation and manoeuvring. They show that the diplomatic conflict that broke out in 1925 was on the brink of exploding since1921.
The Holy See perceived the legalisation of Jan Hus Day in 1925 as a key issue, whilst the Czechoslovak political leadership, especially Edvard Beneš, underestimated the situation. The Czechoslovak leadership had to find a compromise not only with Vatican diplomacy, but also with the left-leaning public opinion in Czechoslovakia.
Disinformation, or shifting information was also part of the difficult negotiation on mutual compromise.