Messersmith, G.S. [Washington]. Memorandum of conversation with the President., 1938 February 01

Discussed general situation in Europe; President surprised at some of Ambassador Hugh Wilson's ideas; Messersmith replied that Wilson did not understand German psychology and should be set right; only way to deal with Germans now in power is to stand firm for opinions and convictions; any other attitude is taken as weakness by Germans; told President of memorandum on coordination [of Foreign Services] which was to be sent out to the field to serve until complete coordination or consolidation could be realized under the reorganization bill; President agreed; discussed retirement fund for Foreign Service, the cost involved, procedure, and amendments needed; President asked him to take matter up with Director of Budget and measure would go to Congress with his full support; reorganization of Department going forward, but slowly; President thought many men in Foreign Service knew too little of their own country; recommended bringing them home for every fifth year.