Messersmith, G.S.
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Recalls visit of Charles A. Lindbergh to Belgium following his historic flight to Paris in 1927; was called from Antwerp to Brussels by [James C.] Dunn, then Chargé d'Affaires of American Embassy in Brussels, to help with arrangements for Lindbergh visit; full schedule was arranged with Belgian authorities; he was received by King, had visits to many places and big dinner in his honor; found him a modest and unassuming young man, bewildered by all the attention; Memorial Day ceremony planned at cemetery at Waereghen in Flanders where hundreds of American soldiers were buried; knew there would be Americans present from all over Belgium, and suggested to Lindbergh that since it was the day he was flying to London, he fly low over cemetery during ceremony and drop wreath, a suggestion to which he graciously agreed; a later visit of Lindbergh to Germany during late 1930's had unfortunate results; he completely misjudged what was taking place, he was so overwhelmed by the German development of air power; does not believe Lindbergh had any real Nazi sympathies, but he lacked the political experience and historical background to interpret what was happening; Lindbergh's mother-in-law, Mrs. Dwight Morrow, had summer home in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and became close friend of the Messersmiths after Messersmith went to Mexico as Ambassador.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.