Messersmith, G.S., Berlin. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1933-10-19
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Assailants of [Roland J.] Velz, American in Dusseldorf, arrested and sentenced to six months in prison, but no action taken until strong protests made; Ambassador [William E. Dodd] made excellent speech before American Chamber of Commerce; to the point, but so well-worded German leaders could not openly take offense; Ambassador had appointment last Friday with Foreign Minister [Konstantin] von Neurath but on arrival at Foreign Office was told von Neurath was with Hitler and could not see him until later in the day; snub may have been intended; Hitler forced to make decision on question of attacks on foreigners; American press helpful, emphasizing probability of U.S. government informing Americans of danger of travel in Germany; Hitler realized economic effects of such action; German press now reporting attacks as well as punishment of attackers, even though they are S.A. men; rumors of Cabinet changes; von Neurath, [Kurt] Schmitt, and [Lutz Schwerin von] Krosigk, none of whom are Party members, may go; Schmitt most useful member of Cabinet and has done much to bring quieter situation in industry, but is under constant attack by the very radical Minister of Agriculture [Richard Walther] Darre; Goebbels and Goering at odds, but outwardly they work together; arranged small luncheon to bring together Ambassador Dodd, Minister Schmitt and his chief Lieutenant [Wilhelm] Posse; discussed proposed U.S. countervailing duties on German imports and probability of German retaliation with anti-dumping measures against U.S. goods; believes U.S. should not take such action at present; unemployment in Germany still high but business in general seems improved; budget in good shape; exports show larger balance then in previous months; propaganda activities very subtle; clever system worked out to entertain and flatter foreign visitors of any importance and fill them with all sorts of propaganda which many swallow; [Charles Richard] Crane, former U.S. Minister to China made surprising statements in Paris after being in Germany; dissatisfaction among S.A. that they can no longer do as they please without punishment; Schmitt confided that he is working on Jewish question; he realizes Germany is losing some of the best brains in the country, particularly scientists; Hitler, in conversation with Ambassador Dodd, gave such satisfying and unexpected assurances that they are too good to be true; Hitler will say anything and convinces himself, for the moment, that he is speaking truth, but his words cannot be trusted; after withdrawal from League and Disarmament Conference, Hitler said the Reichswehr of 100,000 men was Germany's only armed force, when the truth is the S.A.'s 660,000 men are as well drilled and almost as well trained as the regular army; protestations that Germany wants only peace are just as empty, when even their children are taught war games and the populace frightened by suggestion of air raids by foreign planes; Germany now eager for U.S. good will; she fears France, can disregard Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Belgium, is not sure of England, and fears U.S.; U.S. must stand firm.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.