Messersmith, G.S., Berlin. Despatch No. 1303 to Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
Date
1933-05-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
American newspaper correspondents in Germany find it difficult to send out news; several have aroused wrath of German government; [Edward] Deuss, of International News Service, accused of sending out unsubstantiated stories of cruelty and would be allowed to remain in Germany only if I.N.S. published in U.S. certain statements; I.N.S. preferred to transfer Deuss to London rather than retract; Edgar Mowrer, President of Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in Berlin, is in difficulty because book he wrote not pleasing to present government as well as his accounts of what had been happening recently in Germany; meeting sought between Goebbels and Mowrer to iron out difficulties; [H.R.] Knickerbocker of New York Evening Post and Philadelphia Public Ledger aroused resentment of government because of series of articles on Germany's economy; [Kurt ?] Leudecke, immediate subordinate of Foreign Minister, [Alfred] Rosenberg, during absence of Rosenberg in London, sent telegram to Philadelphia Public Ledger demanding Knickerbocker's recall; newspapers refused to recall him; Knickerbocker called on [Ernst T.] Hanfstaengl, head of Hitler's Press Bureau who immediately telephoned Goebbels; Goebbels agreed that such action by Foreign Ministry improper and Knickerbocker should not be interfered with; Leudecke arrested and jailed for having assumed too much authority; real authority in Germany lies with Goering, Goebbels, and Hitler, who have learned that though public opinion may be controlled in Germany, it cannot be controlled abroad; Alfred Rosenberg, as Foreign Minister, and HjalMarch Schacht, of Finance, now visiting in U.S., have no authority to speak for German government.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.