Box 11

Scope and Contents Consolidation [of Foreign Services] in France did not go forward when planned due to outbreak of war and mobilization of services for emergency work; comments on complaints by Commerce and Agriculture that they are no longer getting reports formerly sent through routine channels; because of relief work economic and commercial reporting was sidetracked, but will get back to it as conditions permit; all telegrams will now go from Embassy to Department, with "Repeat to Commerce" added in...

Scope and Contents Acknowledges letter of Sept. 11; making progress on consolidation plans, and sending individual instructions to various offices; little can be done in France for the present; must continue some commercial and economic reporting activities but commodity reporting from belligerent countries loses most of its value; hopeful that as much trade as possible will continue between France and U.S.; Treasury Attachés can do nothing useful in belligerent countries; realizes Fullerton functioning under...

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Enclosure: See No. 1289. Calls attention to new propaganda sheet, "Nuova Italia," edited by Pietro Garoaflo; Garoaflo and friends on other Italian dailies carrying on campaign against neutrality revision; surprised that some people think that neither Stalin nor Mussolini has taken irrevocable step, and both should be cultivated; enclosing copy of article about [Hugh Simon] Gibson's recent radio speech; liked Gibson personally, but wonders if he hasn't developed streak of cynicism.

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Enclosed with No. 1288. Gibson gave report of his findings on 5000 mile auto trip through Franco's Spain; presented rosy picture of conditions in Spain under Franco; Allen contends Gibson's findings erroneous and cites authorities to support contention; thinks Gibson was shown only what Franco wanted him to see.

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Memorandum missing. Appends memorandum; does not intend showing it to anyone else other than Secretary [Cordell Hull]; will give further background orally.

Scope and Contents Russia's attitude complicates situation; doesn't understand why English and French diplomats were unaware of German-Russian conversations; some in France and England ready to make peace with Germany now, but early peace would leave Hitler still master of Germany, and the old blackmail would soon start again; military outlook more favorable than political outlook; neutrality of Spain and Italy leaves Mediterranean quiet; French Army outnumbers German two to one; doubts Germany will move...

Scope and Contents Thanks Messersmith for messages sent through [Herbert Claiborne] Pell and [George Alexander] Armstrong; over two years since parting in Vienna; Selby himself transferred few months later; interest in Austria has dwindled since her fall; many seemed to think Austria was all Nazi anyway, but when peace comes statesmen should reflect on Emperor's [Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor] dictum: "Austria erit in orbe ultima" [Austria will be the last thing in the World]; recalls assistance given him...

Scope and Contents In French. Was pleased to hear of important work Messersmith has been doing and to receive photograph of home; Europe on verge of great catastrophe; the occupation of Austria, destruction of Czechoslovakia, and even attack on Poland all foreseeable; received by President Roosevelt in 1933 and told him then that the old allies by their political incoherence and lack of foresight, were preparing alliance of Germany, Italy, and Japan; with Russia added, alliance becomes more dangerous; rapid...

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Acknowledges Allen's letter of Oct. 6 with its enclosure, which was read with interest; showed it to associates in Department who also found it interesting.

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Returning article Messersmith sent recently; found it interesting; anything of such nature which Messersmith can show for background purposes of great value.

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Appends letter (No. 1286) from Hugh Fullerton showing difficulties under which Paris establishment operating; requests letter be returned.

Scope and Contents Work load heavy, evenings and weekends as well as week days; no time for relaxation or social life, but too much at stake to make hurried decisions; stays well in spite of work; Service has responded well in time of crisis; is certain Ambassador [William C. Bullitt] glad to have help of Fullerton and [Robert Daniel] Murphy; Fullerton's letters helpful to Department; understands it is impossible to go through with consolidation plans at present, but financial and commercial reporting should...

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To G.S. Messersmith, [Washington]. Acknowledges Messersmith's note; recovering satisfactorily and hopes to go to Washington next week; requests Messersmith to hold envelope until arrival; was disappointed not to go to Washington immediately upon arrival in U.S.; seeing Messersmith would have helped, but was too unsteady to see other people there.

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Delighted Geist recovering, but thinks he should take longer rest before coming to Washington; hopes Geist will stay with him and wife for a while after arrival; going to Boston on 22nd to give speech for New England Council of Governors but should be back on 24th and glad to have Geist any time after that.

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Will act on Messersmith's suggestion and not go to Washington until Nov. 25 or 26; does not wish to impose on Messersmith's kindness by staying at house; knows Messersmith needs to be quiet and undisturbed in home, so will stay with him only a couple of days and then go to the Mayflower.

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Thinks Welles will be interested in appended letter [No. 1293] from [Frans] van Cauwelaert, President of Belgian Chamber of Deputies and ranking Minister of State.

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Looks forward to seeing Geist any time after 25th; plenty of room at house and visit will not inconvenience, but insists Geist not come until completely well.

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Comments on effect of blockade; concludes Germany can survive on present and probable food supply, but serious shortage of raw materials except for coal; in critical short supply are iron ore, textiles, rubber, petroleum; Germany also hampered by lack of sufficient foreign exchange; impossible to judge how Germany can hold out in long war without further reliable information about reserves she may have.

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Recounts events of early November, German threats and Dutch defenses; Hitler means to invade Holland and Belgium eventually, but mobilization near border was only a feint to see reaction of Dutch, Belgians, French, and English; Germans know they must contend with British Air Force in any invasion attempt; tells of kidnaping of [Richard Henry] Stevens and Payne Best of British Intelligence at border near Venlo by Germans.

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Van Kleffens assured Fodor Holland would defend her territory and her independence; he said U.S. neutrality act made position of small neutral countries difficult; asked if Belgium would come to Holland's aid, van Kleffens replied if there were an attack it would be against Belgium as well as Holland; he admitted Holland's armaments had been neglected and said they would ask for help if they were invaded.