Messersmith, G.S.

Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Recalls pleasant, for the most part, relations with various members of Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs; was frequently called on to testify before these committees; usually enjoyed appearing before them and answering their questions, and some of the members became good friends; has great affection for Senator Tom Connally of Texas; among other Senators meriting admiration and respect were Key Pittman, [Frank Lester] Greene, [Wallace H.] White, [Warren R.] Austin, and [Walter F.] George; Members of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs who were especially helpful and cooperative were [John] Charles Linthicum, Thomas S. McMillan, Sol Bloom, and Mrs. Edith Nourse Rogers; one of great difficulties in State Department was that it had never received adequate appropriation from Congress; consequently salaries, even of heads of mission, were low, and for many years there was no allowance for housing the diplomatic and Consular Corps; to be appointed an Ambassador to one of the large capitals, a man almost had to have private means, because an American Ambassador was expected to put up a good appearance and entertain extensively; believes State Department had not been aggressive enough in making its needs known not only to Congress but to general public; situation has now improved and Department has respectable building program for offices and residences of its foreign establishments; pays special tribute to Frederick Larkin, head of Foreign Buildings Office in State Department during time Messersmith was Assistant Secretary of State, who saw to it that Foreign Service officers had good and proper buildings.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.
Citation