Geist, Raymond H., Berlin. To James C[lement] Dunn, Washington.
Date
1936-02-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 658. Has been in hospital for operation; sums up salient points of German situation; economic boom continues as result of government spending; short-term borrowing finances armament and other government programs; [Hjalmar] Schacht and [Ludwig Schwerin] von Krosigk realize policy not sound economically but must abide by will of Government (i.e. the Party); short-term indebtedness increases; increase in governmental control of business; decrease in standard of living for masses through lower wages and higher living costs; exports to be forced; Government officials classified in three groups in descending order of power and prestige: (1) Nazi-Radical, including Hitler, [Rudolf] Hess, [Heinrich] Himmler, [Josef] Goebbels, Julius Streicher, and [Wilhelm] Frick, (2) Nazi-Conservative (limited influence) including [Hermann] Goering, [Werner] von Blomberg, and [Hans] Frank, (3) Conservative (little influence) including [Ludwig Schwerin] von Krosigk, [Hjalmar] Schacht, and [Konstantin] von Neurath; economists agree that financial policy must lead to disaster but nobody predicts when; East Prussians believe Prussian militarism has decayed; if true, Nazis cannot strike; no immediate prospects for change in regime; sees no change in policy as long as Hitler is in power.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.