Messersmith, G.S., Berlin. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1934-04-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Higher leaders of Nazis nervous; they cannot control secondary leaders; personal prestige of Hitler remains strong, but much discontent among masses; rearmament program proceeding rapidly, with principal emphasis on air equipment; action against Jews continues; acuteness of export and raw materials problem may bring about downfall of regime; [Hjalmar] Schacht and [Kurt] Schmitt have tried to resign from government, but are not permitted to; if regime falls a military dictatorship will probably be set up as a transitional government; Dr. [Rudolf] Diehls removed as head of Prussian Secret Political Police at insistence of S.A. because Diehls had argued that S.A. men be punished for wrong doing the same as others; political police now unified under [Heinrich] Himmler; cynicism of Schacht unbelievable; asked what would be German attitude at meeting with foreign creditors, he replied, "I will simply tell them that we can't pay, and for their headaches I shall recommend aspirin;" U.S. should give no aid nor take any action which would bolster up present regime; Schacht in radio speech placed blame for Germany's difficulties on Versailles Treaty, on previous "Marxist government" of Germany, and on bad will of foreign countries in not taking German exports of manufactured goods; he insists Germany showing good faith by payment of interest on debts in Reichsmarks into Konversionsbank; of little use to foreign creditor when there is no possibility of transfer; [Richard Washburn] Child here; expect to see him today.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.