Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.2011-06-152011-06-151942-05-201503-00http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/7465Was in Foreign Ministry the day Mexican Government received news of the sinking of the tanker, Potrero del Llano, presumably by German submarine and was informed of sinking by Undersecretary, [Jaime] Torres Bodet; [Ezequiel] Padilla addressed energetic note to Axis powers through Swedish Chargé in Mexico; powerful group of German merchants in Mexico City conducting whispering campaign against Messersmith because they fear his "dangerously growing influence in high circles of Mexican Government"; they say Messersmith was sent to Mexico by U.S. Government for definite purpose of bringing Mexico into war; has discussed war freely with top Mexican officials, but has not tried to persuade them to enter war actively; believes many of Government leaders in favor of declaration of war, but masses of people still apathetic; sinking of tanker may change attitude.Typed Letter Copy, 7 p.en-USMessersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.OtherMSS 109