Messersmith, G.S., undated

Observations on appointment of William E. Dodd as Ambassador to Germany; many were surprised at the appointment; Roosevelt wanted his Ambassador to Germany to be someone who knew Germany and the German people and who knew something of historical development of modern Europe, as Dodd did; he was an eminent scholar and historian, but known only to other scholars, and was totally inexperienced in diplomatic work; he seemed to distrust his Embassy staff, some of whom were good capable people and depended more and more on Messersmith, who had long years in the Service and knew every part of Germany; Dodd even wrote many of his letters and despatches by hand, because he didn't trust his secretaries; doesn't think he left Berlin the whole time he was in Germany; he was personally unassuming, but was never taken in by Nazi tactics; he knew the old Germany and was appalled by what was happening to the new; he seemed to want to close his eyes to it, and that was the reason for his ineffectiveness and futility; in spite of this, had a certain affection for Dodd, and a good deal of respect for him.