[Geist, Raymond H.], Berlin. To [Jay Pierrepont] Moffat, Washington.
Date
1935-01-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Pencilled marginal notes in Messersmith's hand. American friend had interview with Hitler at Ober-Salzburg day after Saar plebiscite; Goering present; Hitler told friend Germany would sign no pacts; Goering leaving soon for Poland to sound out Polish government, not on Pacts, but on "Equality" question; matter will come to a head when decisions have been made in London during Flandin-Laval visit; learned from Foreign Office official Germany will make no commitments which would prevent modifying eastern frontiers; large concentration of troups in East Prussia; when friend asked Hitler if he abandoned all claim to Lorraine, Hitler looked at Goering and winked, implying that there were other ways than making territorial claims; obvious that he believes Germans in such frontier areas as Lorraine, Memel, and Silesia through internal agitation will demand a plebiscite; Hitler told friend that in few years time Hungary would be dependency of Germany and by end of 1935 Otto would be on throne in Austria; believes now Hitler regime will last at least a decade; many in country disagree with his policies, but do not actively oppose him; conflict between radical and conservative elements in Party continues because of Hitler's inability to take lead in various spheres of government; while he has genius for maintaining popular following, he is not capable of assuming directive in economics, finance, and social and cultural policies; hence his dependence on [Gottfried] Feder, [Hjalmar] Schacht, [Walther] Darre, [Alfred] von Rosenberg, and [Josef] Goebbels; Schacht has difficult problem finding sufficient foreign exchange to provide raw stuff for German industry and armament program and to enable government to continue public works program; shortage not yet acute.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.