Messersmith, G.S., undated

William Hickey, President of United Corporation, visited Mexico with his family, and with Judge [John J.] Burns and his wife, had lunch with the Messersmiths at Cuernavaca; after lunch Burns asked if Messersmith knew why [Edward R.] Stettinius had been made Secretary of State; Messersmith replied that the appointment of Stettinius had been a surprise to many; Burns then asked if Messersmith knew that he had been considered for the post; Messersmith said he had heard some talk at the time but didn't take it seriously, for he was certain the President would not appoint a career Foreign Service Officer to the post, and he didn't consider himself qualified anyway; Burns then said it was Harry L. Hopkins who suggested Stettinius for the job; Messersmith had first met Hopkins in Vienna, and later they became good friends when Messersmith was in Washington as Assistant Secretary.