Memorandum prepared by Consul Raymond H. Geist of visit to Stetlin in behalf of Torsten Johnson, American seaman imprisoned there., 1933 August 21

Enclosed with No. 275. Cordially received by acting Police President; Secret Service man escorted him to prison where Johnson was held; impressed by Johnson's appearance; listened to his story and believed him innocent of the charge that he had said Hitler was a Czechoslovakian Jew; Johnson's knowledge of German was not good and it was likely that what he said about Hitler was misunderstood; he was also drinking at the time; visited the attorney who had been appointed to defend Johnson; learned that he had not talked to Johnson before the trial and that no attempt had been made to secure witnesses for the defense; realizes trial and conviction were result of political pressure; suggested to attorney and to prosecuting attorney that they recommend a pardon without delay which they agreed to do; reminded them that Americans held a low opinion of such summary treatment of its citizens by another country.