Messersmith, G.S., [Washington]. Memorandum to The Secretary [Cordell Hull] and the Undersecretary [Sumner Welles]., 1938 February 17

Comments on activities of German propagandists in U.S. and in South America; Germany hopes to accomplish purpose with show of force, but without use of force; a man representing himself as Secretary of State in New York tried to get through Passport Agent in New York 36 blank passports as well as plans of Army post on Governor's Island; when arrested, he confessed that he was an agent of the German government and acting under its orders; suggests creation of interdepartmental committee to study situation and make recommendations as to how it should be met.