Memorandum prepared by Consul Raymond H. Geist of visit to Stetlin in behalf of Torsten Johnson, American seaman imprisoned there.
Date
1933-08-21
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 275. Cordially received by acting Police President; Secret Service man escorted him to prison where Johnson was held; impressed by Johnson's appearance; listened to his story and believed him innocent of the charge that he had said Hitler was a Czechoslovakian Jew; Johnson's knowledge of German was not good and it was likely that what he said about Hitler was misunderstood; he was also drinking at the time; visited the attorney who had been appointed to defend Johnson; learned that he had not talked to Johnson before the trial and that no attempt had been made to secure witnesses for the defense; realizes trial and conviction were result of political pressure; suggested to attorney and to prosecuting attorney that they recommend a pardon without delay which they agreed to do; reminded them that Americans held a low opinion of such summary treatment of its citizens by another country.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.