Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
While serving as Assistant Secretary of State between 1937 and 1940, was invited on a number of occasions to be guest speaker at dinners of National Businessmen's Advisory Council of Department of Commerce; about 50 of leading business men in U.S. made up Council; men were anxious to hear intimate account of developments in Europe; dinners were usually pleasant interludes; on one occasion was surprised to see present Gen. [Robert Elkington] Wood, leader of America First movement; knew he was extremely critical of administration, and while he had no sympathy for Nazis, he thought Germany and European situation no concern of U.S.; after Messersmith's speech, Wood stood up and contradicted everything Messersmith had said; a member of the Council then stood and apologized for having brought Wood as his guest and said he considered Wood's remarks most improper; several years before Messersmith saw Wood again; by that time course of events had changed his views, but he never mentioned incident at the dinner.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.