In a published interview, R’ Amram Blau, ztl, remembers that Dr. DeHaan, Hy”d, arranged for a telegram to be sent (he doesn’t say to whom but from the context I presume to the British Colonial Official which was then the governing body over Eretz Yisroel) protesting Zionist persecution of religion. The telegram he says was signed by Rav Yosef Chaim Zonnenfeld and, l’hebadel elef havdalas (his lashon), the Mufti and the Pope in Rome. If this is true, it suggests that Rav Zonnenfeld, ztl, felt it was acceptable to collaborate with the Pope for worthy purposes. If anyone has any ideas how to get more info about this alleged telegram, I’m very interested to hear.
I’ve heard it said that Reb Aharon Kotler, ztl, said he would even kiss Hitler ym”s if by doing so he could save one Jewish life, not that I’m suggesting that this Pope is to be compared to Hitler.