Messersmith, G.S., Berlin. Memorandum of conversation with Reichsminister [Hermann] Goering.
Date
1933-04-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 136. At Goering's invitation, Messersmith called on him at Air Ministry on April 4; before accepting invitation, emphasized that visit was personal and unofficial and must not be publicized; was cordially received; Goering asked about U.S. Diplomatic and Consular Service; was surprised to learn many men made it a lifetime career; had supposed they were removed from office with every change of government; mentioned anti-German propaganda in U.S.; Messersmith replied that American press, unlike German, was not controlled by government, and correspondents substantiated stories they sent out of Germany; Goering felt U.S. placed too much emphasis on problems of individuals and ignored fact that Germany had just come through a bloodless revolution; Messersmith agreed that Americans were concerned about individuals, but what concerned them more was the wholesale persecution of the Jews; Goering asked if there wasn't discrimination against Jews in U.S., and Messersmith replied that there was some social discrimination, but in business, professions, and before the law, Jews enjoyed same rights and privileges as other citizens; Messersmith mentioned removal of Jewish judges in Germany and felt that Americans would hesitate to invest money in Germany if they thought they could not get justice in the courts; Goering asked what Germany should do, and Messersmith replied that it was not in his province to advise officially on an interior problem, but that if Germany expects to build up her economy, she needs the good will of the world, and should be sensitive to public opinion outside Germany; Goering strong, intelligent and well-informed on some subjects but "naive as a child" on others.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.