Messersmith, G.S., Havana. To Bruce Barton, Washington.
Date
1940-06-22
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Compliments Barton on recent speech, and sends clipping from El Avance of June 18 commenting on speech; Havana newspapers good, and friendly to U.S.; believes U.S. can count on Cuba for cooperation in inter-American program; since 1933 has warned of German menace, but many thought the idea extreme; does not claim to be prophet; was only repeating what Nazi leaders claimed as their objectives; Monroe Doctrine has always made present German Government see red; they think Western Hemisphere from Mexico south as much a field for German political and economic expansion as Southeastern Europe; takes two countries to make peace but only one to make war; isolationist attitude unrealistic in face of totalitarian powers; Germany now assures U.S. she has no ambitions in Western Hemispheres, but her assurances mean no more than assurances given to Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and other European countries; up to U.S. to defend Western Hemisphere; within U.S., must be prepared to restrict civil liberties for a while to preserve them in long run; alien subversive activities must be put down ruthlessly; same measures should be applied to natives who would undermine Government; a man like [Gerald P.] Nye, who asked for impeachment of President, whether malicious or ignorant and uninformed, is dangerous; Communist Party should be dissolved; has evidence [Earl] Browder got passport under another name to go to Russia to get his orders; affects U.S. leadership in other American countries; cannot talk to Cuban Government about Communist newspaper in Havana as long as Daily Worker is published in New York; German and Japanese Legations in Washington have tremendous staffs; should see that personnel in foreign missions be reduced to proper needs.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.