[Messersmith, G.S.], [Washington]. To Raymond H. Geist, Berlin.
Date
1938-12-08
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Indignation in U.S. over brutal treatment of Jews overwhelming; bringing back Ambassador [Hugh R.] Wilson "for consultation" shows clearly U.S. attitude; no intention of returning Wilson to his post anytime soon; Wilson criticized in U.S. for his "sympathetic understanding" of certain acts of German government and because he may not have presented U.S. point of view with clarity circumstances require; Wilson, as a diplomat, belongs to different school from Messersmith's; Germany may not realize depth of feeling in U.S. and will eventually make same mistake with respect to England, France, and America that she made in 1914; no chance for further trade agreements with Germany; racial background to recent action against Jews, but real reason Nazis have gone so far is economic; confiscation of property is profitable to regime; recent movement in U.S. to urge limited trade agreement with Germany; adherents argue it would help conservative elements in Germany and improve prospects for more reasonable regime; afraid Jim Mooney [of General Motors] behind move; Republicans and Democrats solidly approve U.S. trade agreements program; last agreements with Great Britain and Canada have unanimous approval; Truman Smith and his assistant to be ordered home soon; [Jacob Dyneley] Beam returning to Germany; [Avra] Warren's trip to Europe implies no criticism of Geist or other officers; it was felt in the Department that some direct contact was needed; Miss [Frances] Perkins, so sympathetic to aliens in distress, is proposing legislation which would break down U.S. immigration laws and practice; no increase in anti-Semitism in U.S.; U.S. wants to keep doors open as far as possible, but with problems of unemployment here, cannot become haven for all distressed people of the world; German-Americans responding well; believes new Congress will pass law permitting cancellation of naturalization and deportation of persons engaged in un-American activities; at last budget hearing succeeded in getting best budget State Dept. has had; next session of Congress should see consolidation of Foreign Services; Geist knows reasons for bringing home [Douglas Phillips] Miller; officers must realize our primary obligation is to "keep our skirts clean."
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.