Monsignor Curioni approaches one of the lawyers from the historic nucleus of the R.B. so that he can act as an intermediary: he would like to unofficially enter into negotiations with Moro's kidnappers on behalf of Pope Paul VI, who is willing to pay a large ransom in order to free the friendly politician. Through Cardinal Casaroli, Paul VI also probes the state's opinion on the possibility of paying a cash ransom.