[Messersmith, G.S.], [Washington]. To Raymond H. Geist, Berlin.
Date
1939-02-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Believes Geist handled matter of [George] Rublee conversations well and prevented complete breakdown; Rublee a fine man, but views the refugee problem too personally; fears he is influenced by [Joseph] Cotton, who is not in sympathy with present administration and disapproves U.S. trade agreement program; [Myron C.] Taylor a much wiser and sounder man than Rublee and [Robert T.] Pell also a first-class man who understands viewpoint of Department; never expected anything to come out of conversations, but felt they had to be gone through with; it had to be made clear (1) that Rublee was negotiating for the Intergovernmental Committee and not for the U.S. Government, and (2) U.S. would make no bargains with the Germans; world has always been faced with migration problem; U.S. policy stiffening; no question about defense program going through; thinks there will be no trouble getting neutrality legislation revised; partisanship cannot enter into foreign policy; Geist was right in saying difficulty not so much that Germany and Italy are strong, but that forces against them not morally as strong as they should be; Russia also a formidable factor and should not be left out of consideration; cannot look forward to less troubled times; thinks Germany will go on with her program; heard that she has six motorized divisions near Dutch border; her next move will probably be rapid; Germany, Italy, and Japan being driven by internal situations to more desperate measures; thinks no chance of Ambassador [Hugh R. Wilson] returning to Germany in near future; Geist and [Prentiss Bailey] Gilbert holding fort effectively; Wilson's return would be misinterpreted by Germans; thinks it was mistake for Mrs. Wilson not to leave Germany with her husband; Ambassador was brought home for specific reason and it would have served purpose better if Mrs. Wilson had come with him.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.