Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-08-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Friend from Germany called at Legation recently; friend important in German finance and industry; not a Nazi, but has not been disturbed in his business because of his usefulness in maintaining industrial and financial structure of country; friend reported Germany now a country in which private rights no longer exist; only law is will of Nazi Party; told of woman from Fürstenwalde, wife of a leading citizen; woman had become ardent National Socialist in 1928 and helped to organize women's groups; when Party came into power in 1933 Fürstenwalde got new Burgomaster, a radical Nazi, who organized orgies in the Rathaus; when news of these excesses reached National Socialist woman, she was shocked and reported conduct of Burgomaster to National Socialist headquarters in Berlin; her action was followed by continuous persecution of herself and her family; she was insulted, threatened and spat upon, and her sons lost their jobs; city and Party officials would take no action; lawyers advised her to do nothing; is now living in Norway with relatives; many examples of such experiences.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.