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 work of John [Jay] McCloy in post-war Germany; long before war was over President Roosevelt had been concerned about post-war Germany and how it should be occupied and governed; because of Messersmith's knowledge of Germany, Roosevelt discussed matter with him a number of times; they agreed there should be no partition of Germany; Roosevelt told Messersmith he should hold himself in readiness to take over the head of civilian authority in Germany and Central Europe; Messersmith told Roosevelt he thought the job would require a younger man; Messersmith was stationed in Mexico at time of Yalta conference at which conference agreement was reached for partition of Germany into Zones; when Messersmith was next in Washington, he told Roosevelt - last time he saw President before his death, that he would have to consider someone else for post in Germany; not only did Messersmith think himself too old for the job, but would find task too difficult with Germany divided into separate zones; Messersmith was in London latter part of 1949 and first part of 1950 on business for Mexlight and saw there John [Jay] McCloy who told him that President Truman had asked him, McCloy to take post of High Commissioner to Germany; Messersmith said he knew of no one who could do a better job; had known McCloy for years and most recently had had dealings with him as President of International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; advised McCloy to make sure that a definite policy would be followed and that there would be no contradictory orders; suggested it would not be difficult to get along with British, but the French were uncertain, and getting along with Soviet associates would be most difficult task; advised McCloy to get on friendly terms with [Konrad] Adenauer, as he was a man to be trusted and with whom he could talk frankly; he would be a big help to McCloy in carrying through job in Germany; McCloy accepted post and made brilliant record as head of U.S. civilian government in Germany.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.
Citation