Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Reports conversation with Sir Eric Phipps, British Ambassador in Berlin, early in 1934; Sir Eric suggested through John Campbell White, Counselor of U.S. Embassy, that he would like to talk with Messersmith; White arranged luncheon after which Messersmith and Sir Eric had private session; Sir Eric said he was new in Berlin but had been told Messersmith had had much contact with leading people of Hitler regime, and he hoped would be willing to give him a picture of leading people as he saw them; spoke very frankly to Sir Eric, answering all his questions, but Messersmith soon saw he was making little impression, that Sir Eric thought that he was prejudiced and giving exaggerated picture; had Messersmith's feelings with regard to Anglo-American collaboration not been so deep, he would not have had patience to continue conversation when he sensed Sir Eric's incredulity; left soon afterward to take up duties in Vienna; Bartholomew's Day massacre took place June 30, 1934; must have come as shock to Sir Eric; saw Sir Eric about a year later on passing through Berlin, and he told Messersmith how right he had been.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.