[Messersmith, G.S.]. Memorandum on Captain [Fritz] Wiedemann., 1939 March 08

Enclosed with No. 1179. Wiedemann former officer of German Navy; intelligent, of good appearance, has has better understanding of English and American attitude than most Germans; compared to leaders of German Government, he is a moderate or conservative, but he has confidence of Hitler, is an opportunist, and willing to carry through any instructions he gets, therefore dangerous; it is reported that his real mission is to direct activities of German agents in the West; Wiedemann will no doubt be very active among business and banking circles and will have plausible arguments; it is believed he has been furnished with names of business men and financiers in U.S. known to be out of sympathy with the Administration and opposed to U.S. trade agreements program; those in responsible positions on west coast should be aware of what he is trying to do, and not be taken in; it is reliably reported that Princess [Stephanie Richter] Hohenlohe [Waldenburg] is arriving in U.S. shortly and will work with Wiedemann; she is an attractive woman, but unprincipled and prepared to do anything for present German government; she should be watched.