[Geist], Raymond, Berlin. To G.S. Messersmith, [Washington]., 1938 February 15
Scope and Contents
Clarification of functions of various attachés will be useful; agrees that Technical Advisors for Dept. of Labor should be withdrawn; [Carlos Julius] Warner has worked with Consulate satisfactorily; grateful for letter about new Ambassador [Hugh R.] Wilson; knows Wilson is ultra-conservative, and will use tact in dealing with him; talked with Foreign Office official who is liaison officer between Foreign Office, Secret Police, and Propaganda Ministry; complained to him that Secret Police and Propaganda Ministry refused to see U.S. side of any question; official admitted German sympathy in American matters deteriorated during unfriendly mission of Ambassador [William E.] Dodd; believed situation might improve with new Ambassador; thinks Wilson and [Prentiss Bailey] Gilbert, in spite of former feelings for each other, will cooperate; is glad Truman Smith was not removed since he was in position to do little harm; is granting immigration visa to Fritz Eichberg; Emil Baerwald has had his passport stamped "invalid for foreign countries"; [S.W.] Saxon has not been arrested; thinks he can still be saved; saw the report sent by Embassy on the Army purge; significant that Army not represented in Cabinet, and no Nazi has become Minister of Defense; Hitler has lost loyalty of Military leaders, industrialists and bankers; his following largely lower middle class; Baron [Konstantin] von Neurath knew of his replacement by Ribbentrop only a few hours before it occurred; all Europe excited by German ultimatum to Austria; Austrian cabinet reorganized to include Nazis; Mrs. [Gustav] Stresemann's passport still intact; advised her to do nothing until situation critical; she would be almost penniless if she left Germany.
Dates
- Creation: 1938 February 15
Physical Description
Typed Letter Signed, 5 p.
Repository Details
Part of the University of Delaware Library Special Collections Repository