Messersmith, G.S., Berlin. Despatch No. 1521 to secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington., 1933 August 21

Reports discrimination action against American and foreign steamship lines in Germany; Ministry of Commerce issued decree which provided that any person buying passage from foreign steamship line cost of which exceeds 200 marks, must secure special permit from exchange control authorities; protests made by both British and American lines, and much newspaper publicity given to protests; at meeting of representative of lines affected at the Ministry of Commerce, it was announced that new decree, would be issued, which would satisfy all interests.