Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To James [Clement] Dunn, Washington., 1935 August 06

Reports on difficulties of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society; Austrian branch of Society ordered dissolved by Government; no American connected with Austrian branch; [M. C.] Harbeck, who is American, comes occasionally from Switzerland in its behalf; when Harbeck was last here, told him nothing Legation could do about dissolution order without instructions from Department; from Vienna, Harbeck when to Berlin where he was arrested for attempting to smuggle out of Germany movies belonging to Society; according to press, Watch Tower also in difficulties in South Africa where it is accused of inciting religious fanaticism among Negroes; while in Washington, talked with Chandler Anderson, Counsel for the Society in Washington, and with its Washington representative; told them frankly about activities of Society in Austria and about its seditious nature; with Harbeck's knowledge or perhaps his instruction Society continued to circulate inflammatory pamphlets directed against Catholics and against Government after being ordered to desist; believes Society will be of increasing concern to Department, for Society will continue to call upon Department for support abroad; recommends Department make no further representations in Society's behalf, but will be guided by Department's instructions.