Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Discusses practices of Foreign Service and supervisory function of Consuls General; realized from beginning of Foreign Service in 1914 that Foreign Service regulations were outmoded; at first post in Fort Erie, Canada, had little to do, and spent time studying regulations and changes which should be made; as mere novice, was not presumptious enough to make suggestions to Department; both Fort Erie and Curaçao, the second post, were one-man posts, and there was little opportunity to put into practice ideas which had been germinating; in Antwerp, as Consul General, Messersmith had a regular staff; he started practice of regular staff meetings, so that work of various officers was coordinated; again in Buenos Aires he started same practice and here had cooperation of Ambassador Robert Woods Bliss; also inspected other U.S. Consulates in Argentina and nearby countries; also carried many of the practices initiated into Consulate General where there were about 30 consulates to be inspected; was concerned over the profusion of Foreign Services - Commerce, Agriculture, Treasury, etc., each attaché, some of whom were not qualified, reporting to his own Department, thus causing confusion, duplication of activities, and sometimes conflicting reports; as matter of economy and efficiency it was recommended that all Foreign Services be consolidated under State Department; in 1937, was called back to Washington to help with reorganization; mentions specifically help given by Joseph Gray, Secretary to Secretary of State Hull, with full approval of Hull and President Roosevelt; reorganization eventually carried through, and U.S. State Department and Foreign Service became the most efficient in the world and had the highest morale; with the advent of Edward R. Stettinius noticed a decline in morale and efficiency; Stettinius may have been good business man, but he brought to Department complete lack of experience in work of the Department and lack of knowledge of Foreign Service; he also brought in men equally inexperienced in conduct of foreign relations; hopes Department, under [John] Foster Dulles will regain its former efficiency.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.