Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Comments on character of [Ernst Franz Sedgwick] Hanfstaengl; Hanfstaengl, a graduate of Harvard, a classmate of President Roosevelt whom he claimed was a close friend; because of his years in the U.S. and his supposed knowledge of the country, Hitler made him one of his intimates; understood too he was a good pianist and could entertain Hitler; Hanfstaengl could be gracious and charming when it pleased him or arrogant and unpleasant when he chose; the Messersmiths made a point of not accepting invitations to places where they would have to meet Nazis socially, but on two occasions they had the misfortune to run into Hanfstaengl at parties and on both occasions he had made himself obnoxious; at dinner at Louis Lochner's he had so annoyed Kitty [Mrs. Sidney] O'Donogue, whose husband was on Embassy staff, that she complained to Messersmith who was seated on her other side; Messersmith got up and leaning over Hanfstaengl's shoulder told him if he couldn't behave like a gentleman he should leave; another time the Messersmiths attended a party given by a well-known industrialist and banker, a Jew who until that time had not been bothered; as soon as Hanfstaengl arrived he began chasing the daughters of his host and actually made improper advances to one of them; girl was terrified but afraid to make complaint for fear of bringing retaliation on her family; told him this time if he didn't leave the daughters of this house alone he knew what would be done about it that very evening; Goering would be told and he knew Goering would not stand for that sort of thing; he was an exemplary guest the rest of the evening.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.