Unsigned memorandum on conversation with X in Switzerland.
Date
1938-12-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 1143. In X's view any attempt to impose political systems of Western world on Balkan states would prove disastrous; Hitler, making such attempt, may "get his fingers burned"; Western Europe should limit its interest in this area to economic assistance and development; Bulgaria in strongest position with 80 percent of population engaged in agriculture; industrialization in Rumania too rapid because of high percent of illiteracy; Germany has arranged to buy wheat from these countries at high prices and will pay for it with machinery and manufactured goods; Rumania and Yugoslavia now favorably inclined toward England; X felt that in economic field, Mussolini had been unwise, with expenditure of vast sums on unneeded facilities; X certain Italian people do not want war; he thinks nothing England can do will induce Mussolini to release his grip on Spain; X thought little of Italian Army, but thought Air Force efficient and well equipped; he thought time had arrived when [England] should take firm attitude with Italy, suggesting Ambassador should be recalled; firm action with Mussolini would prove jolt for Hitler and pave way for firmer English policy in dealing with Hitler regime; showed X article by Vernon Bartlett in News Chronicle which suggested projected visit of [Neville] Chamberlain and Lord [Irwin] Halifax [to Rome] early in New Year might not take place; X felt visit inopportune anyway, and thought any such gesture of good will would be misinterpreted as sign of weakness by both dictators; as result of Munich, Germany no longer fears England, and other countries have lost faith in her; Himmler real master of Germany and Ribbentrop powerful because of alignment with Himmler; X said England must recognize she is dealing with gangsters of most depraved type and adapt her dealings with them to this fact; Germany controlled by 100,000 of its worst elements; other than these, most Germans ashamed of Nov. 10 pogrom against Jews; persecution of Jews will continue with greater ferocity and persecution of Christians intensified; then will follow onslaught on capital; Hitler beyond redemption, but in X's view, Mussolini might be won over to side of reason, if England is firm in dealing with him; Hitler no bulwark against Bolshevism as he claims; he is rapidly moving toward destruction of capitalism; X's statement that Hitler had designs on Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland based on information given him by "a man who is in daily contact with Hitler"; X said his position with the Generals more difficult since Munich, but he still had friendly relations with them; X felt if world is to be saved from catastrophy Hitler issue must be determined within next six months.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.