Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Discusses character and activities of [Paul Josef] Goebbels; extremely intelligent, but with a devious and criminally dangerous mind; as Minister of Propaganda he had control of all public opinion forming means in Germany - schools, churches, newspapers, magazines, radio, and theatre; had appointment with him to discuss recent order which had been issued over his signature banning distribution of American films in Germany; was at his office promptly at hour fixed, but was kept waiting in the ante-room for hour and a half; was certain this was done deliberately; asked Goebbels about order and he replied no such order had been issued; had photostatic copy in pocket and showed it to him; he merely smiled and said again no such order existed; told him whether it existed or not, the undesirability and consequences of it stood; Messersmith let him know he and U.S. Government did not appreciate the kind of treatment he had received from Goebbels that day; had few contacts with him thereafter; was told by several people that Goebbels hated mention of Messersmith's name; felt flattered; Propaganda Ministry exerted complete control over telephones; knew that telephone at Consulate was tapped; was informed by George Gordon, Counselor of Embassy, that he had attended party at Italian Embassy, that Goebbels had been present and had told him that he was going to Chicago as head of German delegation to opening of Chicago World Fair; Gordon thought it would be dangerous for him to go as in the U.S. there was no more hated man in the Nazi regime; suggested Gordon telephone the Consulate next morning and repeat the information; as soon as call came through heard the familiar click which indicated a third party listening; told Gordon how dangerous it would be for Goebbels to go to America, that Goebbels must know how cordially he was hated in America and even though the U.S. Government would try to protect him it might be impossible to do so; morning papers carried big headlines announcing Geobbels would head German delegation to Chicago World Fair; afternoon papers carried headlines stating announcement was made without authorization and that Goebbels had no intention of going to Chicago; Goebbels got the message; he had courage, but he was not one to risk his life.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.