Dispatches - Germany, November 4, 1938-May 13, 1939

EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RAID Berlin, November 4, 1938 AMe No. 402 Subject: Conversation with Dr. Mastny, Czecho- A-M slovak Minister -in Berlin. & 19 Fill ww NN, DUER OF DV 251988 DEPARTMENT STATE Strictly confidential The Honorable L The Secretary of State, Washington, D.C. UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE 760F.62/1858 Sir: DEC 22 MR, I have the honor to transmit for the information 1/ of the Department a memorandum of a recent conversa- tion with Dr. Mastny, Czechoslovak Minister in Berlin. 10 Respectfully yours, Hugh R. Wilson holosure: 1. Memorandum 702 HRW/hu CC. to Legation, Prague. 3 FP. GE Enclosure No. 1 to despatch No. 402, dated Nov. 4, 1938, from the American Embassy, Berlin, Germany. OF CONVERSATION ITH DR. MASTNY, CZECHOSLOVAN MINISTER. Dr. Mestny called on ne on the morning of October 31 and stated that he had received an instruction from his Government to do & thing which he was most happy personally to do, namely, to assure me of the deep gratitude with 764.60162 which his country regarded the United States both for its willingness to accept the protection of Czechoslovak interests in the event of hostilities and for its sympathy with Czechoslovekia during its struggle. Dr. Mastny said that he was now engaged in negotiating with the Germans regarding rectifications of the line; 7609.62151 for instance, there were points at which the present line crossed the main road of supply for Pilsen and points at which the German frontier crossed into indispensable railroad lines connecting importent points. He hoped they would be able to wash these things out. In the event that they were unable to do so the Czechs might have to apply to the Committee of the Four Powers. They were in hopes, however, that they could do the thing in a friendly way with Germany alone as they realized that they were completely at Germany's mercy. He felt that Czechoslovakia would become a three- state entity,- Bohemia, Slovakia and Ruthenia. There 860.60 was little sympathy here for the Polish claims to a common frontier with Hungary, and he thought that in the near future these matters would be finally licuidated in the sense he had described. He ⑉2⑉ He then continued, in the most confidential way, to tell me of his own experience during the past few months. He said that he had repeatedly urged upon his Government the necessity for autonomy for the Sudetenland. He had warned again and again that half measures would not satisfy this country and that only the most far-reaching autonomy would save the state intact. He had even had a serious quarrel with Benes, his old-time friend, over this matter. Benes had felt convinced that from a democratic stand- point he could not allow any section of the country to become Nazi. He was bound both by the Left elements, anti-Nazi in principle, and the Extreme Right, deeply nationalistic, and was unable, he thought, to make the necessary concessions. Benes had called him early on the morning of the 29th of September and had told him to fly immediately to Munich. Mestny refused, on the grounds that he could not represent Benes as his views differed from the President's. Benes had replied that he wanted him to go "only as an observer", and on this basis Mastny took the plane for Munich. He found all the principals in confer- ence and was able to talk only with Ashton-Gwatkin. At 1:15 a.m. he was finally summoned to Chamberlain's room, where the latter handed him his memorandum of the de- cisions reached. Mestny stated that he would return at once to Pra ue and the President would answer. Chamberlain replied that no reply was expected. They simply wanted Mastny to sit on the Committee to meet in Berlin. Mastny said that, nevertheless, he must 0 to Prague, which -3- which he did. Benes thereupon instructed him to return to Berlin and sit on the Committee. I was shocked at the appearance of Mastny. He has grown perceptibly older and is in an extremely nervous condition. He said that he had not imagined that any one day could contain such metal su fering as that which he went through in Munich. As he left the room I expressed my sympathy to him. He then said that as the days went by he felt more reconciled to the situation. They might, after all, now be able to lead self-respecting lives. He was convinced that had war broken out nothing of Czechoslovakia would have survived, whatever turn the war had taken. He said he felt like a man who found that he and his wife could - no longer live happily together, who had gone through the misery of a divorce, but now felt that it was better after all that incompatible people should not try to live in unison. As to the fate of individuals he had no information. He did not know whether Masaryk and Osusky would continue to represent Czechoslovakia, nor diá he know whether he himself would continue to do so. He said that the Germans had shown him repeatedly evidences of personal sympathy during this trouble and that he might be able to utilize these feelings of esteem for the benefit of his country. This he was 701.60.162 willing to do for a short time, but was anxious to retire as soon as someone could replace him who could gain as fevorable treatment for Czechoslovakia. H.R.T. Borlin, October 31, 1938 W EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAID No. 429 Berlin, November 12, 1938. Subject: Hitler's Speeches of November 6 and November 8. 00m in in 762.00 Fill 17 8 1338 = 04 SNI sumary O.N.I. 762.00/215 The Honorable M.I.D. The Secretary of State, Washington. DEC 9 1938 Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith summar- ies of two of Chancelor Hitler's recent speeches, in- cluding translations of the more pertinent passages 1/ thereof. The first was given on November 6 at Wei- mar at a congress of the Party in Thuringia. The 2/ second address was delivered on November 8 at the traditional meeting in the Bürgerbräukellar in Liu- nich celebrating the anniversary of the abortive Nazi "putsch" of 1923. STATE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY M.PARTM It is understood that these speeches were treated extensively in the American press. It is VECE NL believed, however, that the Department may find it TSTTLE useful to have on record the text of Hitler's re- marks CO cerning German foreign policy, which con- stitute a sharp reiteration of his determination to GML - 2 - to base his reliance first and foremost on Germany's armed might and of his reasons for adopting this po- sition. It may be observed that German papers commented with surprised dismay on the reception given these speeches by large sections of the British and French press which, emphasizing the shrill bitterness of their general tone and noting the sharp attacks on Churchill and other British political leaders and at the same time the omission of any tribute to Chamber- lain and Daladier for their part in concluding the Munich agreement, tended to interpret Hitler's state- ments as only a thinly veiled warning that if he does not achieve his "just rights" through negotiation he will resort to quite "other methods." The German press vehemently denied the validity of such asser- tions and endeavored to counter them by featuring Hitler's assurance that the return of German colonies is not an occasion for war, and his declarations of Germany's desire for peace. Respectfully yours, For the Ambassador: Donald R. Heath First Secretary of Imbassy. Enclosures: 1-2. Sumaries and transla- tions of Kitler's speeches on November 6 and November 8, re- spectively. 800 HPL:EN Enclosure No.1 to despatch No. 429 of November 12,1938. Summary and Translation of Hitler's Speech at the Party Congress at Weimar on November 6, 1938. Chancelor Hitler spoke on the afternoon of Novem- ber 6 at Weimar. The following is a translation of relevant passages in his speech, the first half of which was devoted to the customary comparison between the sit- uation today and that before National Socialism. "We are now reaping the reward of our foresight, just as once upon a time the Germany of the year 1918 reaped its reward. It obtained a share in the bless- ings of what we understand as democracy. The Germany of those days had clung to the hopes which were perhaps most clearly expressed by that American who assured us of a peace in which there should be neither victor nor vanquished. When the German people relying on these theories had laid down its arms it learned that democracy in practice is quite different to what it is in theory. When parliamentar- ians and politicians in foreign countries now dare to main- tain that G many has not kept her treaties, we can only reply to them that the greatest treaty-breach of all time was committed against the Germen people. Everything which promised to Germany in those 14 points in reliance upon which German arms were laid down was subsequently denied her.' " After describing National Socialism's achievements in freeing the G ruan people from its parties and divisions and in creating e. new governing class - "a corps of the toughest determination and most ruthless energy" - Herr Hitler -2- Mitler continued that the third achievement was the new army- "The Germen is either the first soldier in the world or no soldier at all. We must be sol- diers and we want to be. Therefore we can only be the first. As a peace lover I have made every effort to create for the Germen people those weapons and de- fences which are calculated to convince others as well of the advantages of peace. There are people who abuse the hedgehog for having prickles. They have only to leave this enimal in peace. No hedgehog has ever at- tacked anybody unless it was threatened itself. That is how we feel ourselves. People should not tread on our toes; we only want quiet, the opportunity to work and essential rights for our people, the same rights which others claim for themselves. The democratic states especially must understand that, for they are always talking about equality of rights. When they talk of the rights of small peoples, how can they be indignent when a great people claims the same rights? Our liational-Socialist defence forces serve to assure and guarantee this claim. On these principles I have undertaken a reorientation in foreign policy and have joined those States which have been obliged like our- selves to assert their rights. In examining the re- sults of this our policy today I can say: Let all judge whether we have not in fact achieved great things on this principle. "We must never forget what has made these suc- cesses possible. When certain foreign papers say: You Z - 3 - You could have got all that by negotiation, we know quite well that the G rmany before us did nothing but negotiate. For fifteen years they only negotiated and into doing lost everything. I too am ready to nego- tiste but I will not allow any doubt as to the fact that German rights are not to be infringed either by negotiation or in any other way. Never forget, Ger- man people, whom you have to thank for your success! What movement, what idea and what principles! And sucondly, always be careful, always be on guard! "It is all very well to talk of international peace and international disarmament, but I am mis- trustful of material disarmament as long as there is no moral disarmament. It has become a curious custom in the world to divide the peoples into authoritarian, that is to say disciplined States, and democratic States. In the authoritarian, that is to say discip- lined States, it is a matter of course that foreign peoples should not be slandered or lied about and that there should be no war-mongering. But the dem- ocratic States are democratic, which means that all this is allowed. In authoritarian countries war agi- tation naturally does not occur, because their Govern- ments are bound to see that there is none, In the de- mocracies, however, the Governments have only one duty, to maintain democracy which is freedom, if necessary, to acitate even as far as war. Not long ago I called three international war-mongers by name. They felt injured, but not as regards their principles, no, only because - 4 - because I dared to call them by names. Mr-Churchill has declared openly that in his opinion the present regime in Germany should be abolished in cooperation with internal German forces who would put themselves gratefully at his disposal for the purpose. If Mr. Churchill had less to do with emigrés, that is to say exiled foreign-paid traitors, and more to do with Ger- mans, then he would see the whole idiocy and stupidity of what he says. I can only assure this gentleman, who seems to live in the moon, that there is in Germany no such power as could set itself against the present ré- gime. In Germany there is only one power, the power of the German nation, in leadership and followers, in defence and arms. I will not deny to this gentleman that we have naturally no right to demand that other peoples should change their consitutions. As leader of the Germans, however, it is my duty to take account of such constitutions and the possibilities which can arise from them. When a few days ago the deputy leader of the Opposition in the English House of Com- mons declared roundly that he would welcome the de- struction of Germany and Italy, I am unable to prevent this man in the course of the democratic game from com- ing with his party in a year or two into power. But I can assure him that I shall prevent him from destroying Germany and equally that I am convinced that the German people will see to it that these gentlemen's plans in regard to Germany will never succeed just as Fascist Italy will do the same thing herself. "I - 5 - "I think that for all of us these international hopes can provide one lesson, to stand fast together and to hold fast to our friends. The more we in Ger- many form a single community, the smaller will the prospects of these agitators be, and the closer we identify ourselves with the State which is in the same position as ourselves, that is with Italy, the less will they feel inclined to egg us on. "When the outside world talks of disarmament we too are ready but on one condition: that first of all the war-mongers should be disarmed. As long as the others only talk of disarmament but go on with their infamous war agitation, we must conclude that they only want to steal our weapons from us and prepare us again for the same fate as in 1918 - 19. I can tell Messrs. Churchill and company one thing: that happened once but never again. "In these last weeks our German people presented a magnificent picture of iron determination, such as I learned to know in the darkest days of the war: no nervousness, no haste, no uncertainty, no air of des- peration, but confidence and complete loyalty. Each single man and woman knew that fate would perhaps ask from us the last sacrifice. It is thanks to this de- termination and this steadiness that we were spared this last sacrifice. Fate did not put us to the test, because it knew we were strong. We will keep this les- son for the future. Then nothing edn hurt our beloved G rmany, now and for all eternity." (E) Enclosure No.2 to despath No.429/of November 12,1938. Summary and Translation of Hitler's Speech to old Party Members at the traditional meeting in the Bürger- bräukellar in Munich celebrating the Nazi "Putsch" of 1923. Chancelor Hitler spoke on the evening of Novem- ber 8 at the traditional meeting in the Bürgerbrüu Keller at Munich on the anniversary of the 1923 Putsch. This speech is usually internal in character and the first part adhered to custom in this respect, save for an extract which is quoted below. The second part dealt with foreign affairs. The opening theme was inevitably the collapse of November 1918 but Herr Hitler, who spoke with vehe- mence, subsequently made more than usually bitter at- tacks upon the bourgeoisie and biting sallies at Mr. Churchill, Mr. Eden and Mr. Duff Cooper. He quoted a long extract from Clausewitz rather on the same lines, insisting on the virtues of force as against "false cleverness". The following is the passage referred to above: "There was no further question of a defensive war by the German nation but of & struggle of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie and of the bour- geoisie, against the proletariat. Then came the well- known great Apostle from America preaching interna- tional morality with his Fourteen Points. In spite of this there would have been no collapse in 1918 if the German people in its blindness had not allowed the - 2 - the internal struggle to develop into a civil war. I think I have the right to say that if Fate had then placed ne in command this collapse would never have occurred. One collapse there would have been nevertheless, the collapse of our ruinous parties. As we removed them in 1933 so would I then have removed them. And just as Germany has since risen again so she would then never have fallen. The outside world knows quite well why it whines after democratic ideas. When àn English Op osition leader declares that we Germans should give proof of our friendliness to the world by setting free the imprisoned enemies of the an State, I reply that I was once/imprisoned enemy of the State but I never noticed that the leaders of the English Opposition said a single word on my behalf- I know why they take the part of these enemies of the German State: they were then and they are now the al- lies of the foreigner." The following is a translation of the latter part of the speech: "Today we can look back on & great historical achievement. Very seldom is it vouchsafed to a gen- eration to fight so tremendous a battle and to live to enjoy success. This is a special reward of foresight for us all. Bearing the past in mind we will today more than ever hold to the resolve not to depart from our longstanding principles and virtues. That is to say, we will be watchful and careful. We have been through too much and our experiences have been too - 3 - too painful for us ever to be able to give easy cre- dence to anyone whose siren tones reach us from with- out. I only believe in the right which we ourselves are able and resolved to defend. And secondly, I only believe in the reward which we ourselves have earned. Nothing in this world is ever presented to a people. As you know at this very moment attempts are being made from & certain quarter to speculate upon the credulity and good nature of our people in the hope of finding even now in the German people some sentimental reaction. You, my old fighters, will understand me when I remain cool and reserved towards these approaches. It would be very fine if the world would turn round and embark on a new course, E. course of universal peace and justice. We should be happy if we could see any signs of such a change of heart. For the moment, I only see one thing, a rearming and everywhere threatening world. They say, 'Now we have found & new basis for & peace- ful development - therefore we must rearm'. I don't quite understand this logic but I don't protest. Let me nowhere be misunderstood. When every day I read in the foreign press that our armaments are shaking the outside world to the foundations then I can only say one thing: only the non-armament of the German nation would shake me. The armaient of others does not shake 110. For there can be no doubt whatever of one thing: if the world clothes itself in weapons the Ger- man people will not wander about on earth armed only with a palm of peace. In these circumstances 1/6 will do - 4 - do everything necessary to ensure peace for our- selves. When they complain that we give so little credence to peaceful assurances then I must refer to my recent speeches. It is not true that we in any way aspire to interfere with other people's constitu- tions. I have no desire that National Socialist prin- ciples should be applied to others. They can keep their democracy and will keep our National Socialism. As a German statesman, however, I am obliged in the in- terests of my people to study the proceeding of the rest of the world, to examine the questions arising therefrom and to take account of possible cangers. And in this I do not take my orders from a British Member of Parliament. When they now say, 'As a matter of fact we meant that the dictatorships and not the German and Italian peoples should be destroyed' I can only answer, 'What sort of thing could be said before November 1918 but since then no more'. In those days the same people said that it was only a question of getting rid of Prussian militarism, only of getting rid of the dynasty, only of the House of Hohe zollern, but not of the German people. They would then lead the German people to freedom in the international democrat- ic system. We learned to know that freedom. The German people learned its lesson. A collapse such as Germany, thanks to her credulity, then experienced will not be repeated during the next thousand years. I can assure you that to all those who think they can let loose a war & itation against the Gorman people. G usany can no longer be deceived by such phrases. - 5 - As e responsible leader I shall warn the nation of dan- gers and I see & danger in the fact that & continuous war agitation is being carried on in other countries. Anyone who does not believe that has only to look at a few recent incidents. It is not so long ago that questions of civil aviation were under discussion in the English House of Commons and that & new civil aero- plane was described as especially useful and practical. An Opposition Member called out, 'It is to be hoped that this machine can carry bombs to Berlin too'. We know what that means. Perhaps I shall be answered, 'That is only one of the Opposition'. My reply is that accord- ine to the constitution of the democracies the Opposi- tion of today can be the Government of tomorrow. In fact this is generally the case. We are very thankful when the léading men in France and England repudiate such ideas and wish to live on good terms with Germany- We have stated more than once that we want nothing from these countries but the return of the colonies illegally taken from us. I have however always given an assur- ance that this is naturally not an occasion for war- It is a question, shall we say, of justice and of the gen- uine intention to make the common existence of the peo- ples possible. Otherwise we have nothing to ask of these countries and we ask nothing from them. We only want to do business with them, that is to trade with them. When therefore they talk of understanding we don't know what the understanding is to be about. One thing however we must keep before our eyes. In France and - 6 - and England today there are certainly men in control who desire peace but others make no secret of wanting war against Germany. I am obliged to state this quite plainly to the nation and to draw the conclusions. To- morrow Mr. Churchill could be Prime Minister. When a British Opposition leader declares, 'We do not want to destroy the German people but only the regime, that is exactly the same for no one destroys the regime without destroying the German people. If anybody says he wants to free the German people from the regime, I say to him, 'You do not speak for the German people.' If there is anyone who speaks for the German people, gentlemen of the British Parliament, it is I. The German regime is an internal matter for the German people and we will not tolerate any schoolmasterish supervision. Further- more, it seems to me that we have achieved more than these gentlemen, and above all we have brought order late into our State, which cannot be said of all the countries in the world, and therefore obliged to take account also of the mentality of those who are not in power today but who may be tomorrow and to leave no doubts about their inner thoughts. The German people will understand why I warn it and why I myself an re- solved to take all measures to be safe against every onslaught. I can assure you besides that the German people will not collapse in fear, shall we say, before bombs from Mars or the moon. Here too we will keep our heads in the G ruen fashion. I an however resolved to reinforce - 7 - reinforce the security of the Reich to the limit and I know that the whole German people will agree with me in this. There is no doubt that this means sacrifices. But it is better to undertake these sacrifices than one day to have to make them in the form of contributions as used to be said of reparations to foreign countries. There can therefore be only one decision for us, that which I stated at Saarbrücken: we are always desirous of peace. Nor have we broken it. But we are also al- ways ready for defence and to manly and determined de- fence. If somebody now says to me, 'Then you do not want to make history by legal means but by force', I can only reply that Germany today has not refused to realize its rights by negotiation. Year after year we have tried by means of negotiation to obtain our rights. English Members of Parliement especially have no right to doubt this. For we have made & treaty - with England by negotiation. That others did not do so too is not our fault. But one thing must be emphasized, National Socialist Germany will never go to Caneóssa. We have no need to. If the rest of the world obstinate- ly persists in opposing the attempt to let right be - done by negotiation, than there is no ground for sur- prise if we assert our rights by other means when we could not do so by the normal methods. .hen these Brit- - ish advocates of world democracy now state that we have | destroyed two democracies in a year, then I can only inquire What is & democracy then? Who has the right to speak in the name of democracy? Has God hended the keys of democracy to liessrs.Churchill and Duff Cooper? Is Is this engraved on tables of stone in the possession of the British Opposition?' Democracy is in our eyes a regime resting on the will of the people. Once upon a time I became Chancelor in Garmany in accordance with the rules of Parliamentary democracy. Indeed I was the leader of by far the biggest party. According to the rules of Parliamentary democracy I then received a clear majority and - Mr. Churchill may doubt it - I have to- day the unanimous support of the German people. I did not remove two democracies this year but I might al- most say as an arch-democrat I removed two dictatorships, namely those of Messrs. Schuschnigg and Benes. I tried peaceably to persuade these two dictatorships by demo- cratic means finally to give the right of self-determi- nation to those affected. The attempt failed. Only then did I set in motion the power of the great German people in order to bring democracy to these countries, that is, to give freedom to oppressed people. The gentlemen of the British Parliament are no doubt at home in the British Impire but not in Central Europe. There they have no knowledge whatever of the conditions of events and čircumstances. They will not and must not take this statement as an insult for we are not after all so well informed about India or Egypt or Palestine. I should however consider it proper if these gentlemen with their enormous knowledge and the unfailing wisdom which is their own would concentrate for the moment on Palestine, shall we say. They could shower blessings there. For what is going on there smells damned strongly of - 9 - force and very little of democracy. But I only give that as an example, not as a criticism, for I am only the representative of my German people and not the ad- vocate of others. That is where I differ from Messrs. Churchill and Eden who are the advocates of the whole world. I am only the representative of my people and I do here what I think necessary. When Mr.Churchill says to me, 'How can the Head of a State cross words with a British Member of Parliament?' I answer him, 'Mr. - Churchill, dont you feel honored? You can see from the fact that in Germany even the Head of the State is not afraid to cross swords with & British Member of Parliament the high esteem in which British Members of Parliament are held. Moreover, I an not the Head of a State like a dictator or & monarch, but I am the G rman people's Leader. I could, you may be convinced, have had quite different titles. I have kept the old one and shall keep it as long as I live because I want to be nothing else and never think of it. I am satisfied.' Mr. Churchill and these gentlemen are deputies of the English people and H an & deputy of the German people. The difference is only that 1r. Churchill received but a fraction of British votes and I represent the whole Gorman people. Therefore, my old comrades in arms, when I call you and the hole Gorman people to watchfulness I have E. holy right to do it. I have secured Creat suc- cesses for the nation in these fow years. It must un- derstand that I an always caring for its security. I never want to live to make at the end of my days dark prophesies, L.B I close my eyes, such as Bismarok made. I - 10 - I want to keep that which we have toilsomely achieved and to keep it forever by the tremendous power of the whole German nation. Thereby is a task fulfilled which our dead gave up. For this Germany they once marched with us with the same faith in their hearts as we." I The remainder of the speech consists of a short - but powerful peroration in memory of the martyrs of the Movemant. I (EM) DIVISION TELEGRAM RECEIVED CEUROPEAN FS Ph 1938 DEPARTMEN This telegram must bE FROM Berlin (part air) closely paraphrased be- fore being communicated Dated DECEMBER 28,1938 to anyone. (c) Rec'd 8:45 a.m. 29th Secretary of State, Washington, 758, DECEMBER 28, 9 a.m. toy + HSV ml My No. 649, November 23, 6 p.m. CONFIDENTIAL. 741.62/325 OnE. From the South African Legation which has leng maintained an Extreme reticence concerning Pirow's visit to Germany, there is now privately learned the most noteworthy feature of the visit, that is the substance of Hitler's conversations with Pirow at Berchtesgaden. Pirow inquired of Hitler the reason for his apparent JAN 1939 filed Extreme annoyance with the British following Munich which has been EVIDENCED by attacks in the German press and which has been popularly rumored as having to do with some "incident" during the Munich meeting. Hitler stated in reply that following the Anglo-German joint declaration at Munich and Chamberlain's return to London, the British immediately emphasized their need for rearmament, conjoined with un- 841.20 mistakable implications that Germany was the potential Enemy. Hitler said that nothing had intervened between Chamberlain's statements at Munich and this display of British feeling. which FS 2-No, 758, DECEMBER 29, 9 a.m. from Berlin which would suggest a reason for such a change in attitude which was both inconsistent and unfriendly. Hitler said that hE could not possibly have any objection to Great Britain's rearming which was Entirely a British right but that hE did object strongly to the circumstance of Germany being named in a manner which was provocative and unexplained in the light of Chamberlain's Expressed desires for appease- ment. Hitler commented that there was no parallel French action. On the point of colonies, Pirow said that hE did not raise the question (possibly for the reason given in my telegram under reference) and Hitler in the little hE said 862.014 about colonies did not seem interested EXCEPT in a very long term sense. As to fortign policy, Especially as related to some possible German move, Pirow related that Hitler seemed most vague and uncertain. From Hitler's entire attitude and remarks Pirow gained the impression that Hitler had long been thinking solely in terms of Austria and Czechoslovakia, that 762.00 these questions were settled much more rapidly than he had ?< anticipated and that hE now had no concrete thoughts in respect of the future. I personally have grounds to believe that the fore- going is a substantially true narration of what took place. I VS 3-No. 758, December 28, 9 a.m. from Berlin I would say that it checks in general with other EVIDENCE concerning Hitler's present state of mind and in the light of Hitler's personal control of German policy may prove to bE illuminating. Two. No one can, of course, know with any certainty what is in Hitler's mind. In respect of this, I must report that in diplomatic circles here there is current an undefined air of apprehension as to some German move in the offing. In recent days a number of representatives of the smaller Euro-th pean states have called on ME and stated that they have re- ceived instructions setting forth accounts on this score reaching their capitals and asking for confirmation or re- ports. They tell ME that they are able to present absolutely nothing concrete in reply. Points in these inquiries center chiefly on the Mediterranean and the Ukraine. (A) Respecting the Mediterrantan, the question seems to bE as to whether Berlin intends to back up Rome in Italy's demands concerning French territory. To date there appears 751.65 to bE nothing but specualtion on this score aside from generalized press support of the Italian position. I have, however, from a private Italian Embassy source, a definition of the precise obligations which 1t is alleged 702.65 Hitler has assumed toward Mussolini, which is that Germany will FS 4-No. 758, December 28, 9 a.m. from Berlin will accord Italy the same support and no more which Italy gave Germany at the time of the Czechoslovak crisis-- meaning that Germany will give full support short of war, Germany having no intention of being involved in a war to the west, Of this, I can only say that it is credited by what I consider the best informed diplomatic representatives here. (B) Respecting the Ukraine, certain happenings are noted, all centering around Ruthenia: the appointment of a German Consul General at Hust, the proposed highway from Germany through Czechoslovakia, the bringing to Germany of SOME two thousand to three thousand Ruthenians for work in the four-year plan operations, the Warsaw protest to Praha which, from the Polish press is alleged to concern agitation originating in Ruthenia among the Ukrainians in Poland. On this, I can only report that German officials (who have themselves no information on German policy and thus discuss these matters abstractly) appear incredulous that any relative- - ly definite plan is in Existence or EVEN that anything is in- tended respecting the Ukraine, It can bE said for what it is worth that this is essentially different from their attitude toward the Austrian and Czechoslovak questions prior to the occurrences there, They view the Ukraine, furthermore, not as an outlying possession but as an integral part of Russia with FS 5-No, 758, December 28, 9 a.m. from Berlin with all that this implies. They are skeptical of accounts of outside comments regarding the alleged autonomy move- ment and the Polish and Rumanian complications are very evident, In any EVENT I can as yet report nothing sub- stantial here concerning any immediate project for the Ukraine beyond the group of happenings Enumerated above and inferences which are bEing drawn therefrom. In this I am not dealing with possible long term German projects respecting the Ukraine or eastern Europe. PEG:CSB GILBERT EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ..O. 550 Berlin, commany 85, 2859 mbject: Notes on Green atoms folloy. 05/24/2020 DEPARTMENT OF TATE 1939 FEB 3 PM 2 11 DIVISION OF COMMUN TIONS AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT OF STATE NOVISEN ON MR. POLITICAL DUNN RELATIONS FEB 14 1939 DEPARTMENT OF STATE The onorable he secret BY of tabe; 762.00/239 STATE - Conversations it as will iss circles fai versin dontinuel to current the vearion OZ possible VOLD in the Mirovean Dolitie Loumsion. Liuso lone 120 nouşuy 14.10 we Jorn OF spacial zionrand -ven 02 cussertion absie Lovelon Serminyte purt takin ind sorly and à airopeen field. AT these 1 Sun oa of DONE for yet encounter nothing upon I CUM buse 3. any positive In viev novort the Importance of this matter, C in recortin by impropsions to with 1612 33 to their The wresent erioù, 93 USA noted, I 18 of de series of visits between the contral one sustern suro ean capituls. The lost important of these, including those apparently brojected or rumored are: Book to serontos iden, ey to write, Cláno to olgrade, Jiano to Mrsow, discontrop to aarsaw, stoyadinovich to orlin, Brin to come, Garin to elerade, Chvalkowsky to vorlin, Cooky to Marsaw, Ciano to cerlin. Procisely whot may-have transfired at (a) 016 these mustings which have already occurred, colde or what purposely say have been sermitted to 10 k out, I THE unable to super -usir occurrence nes, noweyer, enhanced in some indele Delier in incending moves in the last, list is not, however, 37 incression. .Tom one of his personal friends will I lourn Vest saky came to crlin approdensive tid Tonal be indo on ungary in cornection vitin somo wastern developments, but that he left reashered that smon was not the case. The cct impotant or these own- jlue, versations was abviously that between Itler and OBCE. If by information from presumauly 11. sources be correct, must vas suid tanded 60 -Fitler's policy via- -vis Soland discussed in my tele treas 706, pecemper 2, 10 ounlob = bag to refer. -in 6:01 total 11 aven white 1 an toll this in HUS S underet od vant no caunge sould take late in Visa thermore that no surly change would take pluce in the status 01 Danzig, the Learne 1kh Commissioner DO rebite at Least provisionally. no would be expected, Itler usstioned beck eshecrning arsaw's reacTime- tion of the .ollsh-Soviot non-sg ression pact. book millied that itler non expressed 11 Tosire For 00600 that DOGOR 202 Zolund coul 11- only in min- taining an equilibrium betwoon eventy End cissia. - DATE 13 suid to name a road that phile was 30. jack, Coeln sured that nothin in edjute is internolated POS Extraine, 7211 tirone cony reasions It, is koted I JV. thus Car oven loft 65 one side. Evi- Street OF why's antikobier toward the rebrint dei renentedly powerted to - the sink somarantly voing varticularly out 07 favor nase reports Ave Sorhe our bigh noticel in ente TOGS, / any read 16.56 one recared s.y. I or not what I have hist dillabsed in the lors DE in detuil, 10 conversations one signature nixt en FOT tallu burdose or and - is 20 444 distin vituation to: Expt. arstory S with 16 to - of the rete adhievements. rearect 10 180 invention s the unti-comintorn not 0016 a barther in orlin into 1-may say R 7,460.3 that zõe series limatiq have poun taking Idease not 1.2 visa over to our Last 10 DORN the placia 162 adio Note I : in. Ideas 6010, vegetan ithers croject ng DL and Amout - 60601 CON uniting with 2018:10 in fairer Iching decrdiling of 1 Dissia. Them are, so save shil, no of démany's planning Do undertake this it one sent - time SOLV Poland undoubtedly could dave no réver Year than to flod Mosself between a which It would DE Hiblor's erim to proute, understand Fascist In any considerations 26 arain mosts, countries naturally comes into the inspectin Cornany's current attitudo to Balono Plantity and from this invio the value or the okyo- erlin azis andears to be re cread with ous Snami judgement. È MY suy invidentally that China's ti è here is Mkoly to 00 enhanded or 0.00 CLUB Chande unbassedor, Jhen CHICH, VISA is a maduate OF the University of many parsonal Criends: in Germany. 20 be forceful and and 1 have dad & AUSOST of heloful with vancenting 001 -Sucsion R l'Avions FOX 80, have read Losdow's tale ram 0. SO, injury 207210 with considerable interest. ET is notice of COUNTRY - 15. Rick churhoterizes wishine relates DE lylan "fold of rumor. 1.00 as gut accortain bics ecting the cossible cootines with wheer. shade rusique doal. 3 rynair vertholess DD cordiality da in convoyer cloint < with the bisewich India- citie standin surby cust no olitic 1 uobtions yore reTued in conversation, + considor tab buss=" dbility that DECOM fee a reassured respecting the Dicraine to not azaluded. All that In know an there positive side La the the mostin domselor tolls protthit jornany has recently been quicin? friendly overtures looking towards an Increase: in comparce. I calent Boy that tells would seen to Bit in to the foregging tipre, teneral dicture 52 possible THE prosent In +1.1 Inclined to titink boot 1939 means Com is an Sast to concerned & baried - isquelidation officially territorios 62 matris and uistelMund any complainty development of MA economic cortive vist was South, - lidation DOR 100k15, the in / whole, as 50 the not vation of such 65114y. to may can castly DD seen 1 in : relations to the 1458 MA otil I reacons doonamic no- And trade. coblens, terse these novant class TOMAL crauts or WIL to A for any accivity vata THE 97 ortaine to par cat, OTY more FOR Magon abbject to 10.19 DATE what are D.D complete tas ..t date moint. 11. ₩18 some were's frunkly one 1.0436 on indications oreon # 01 broculution. A drodul Ston witch, willownot cut Corpora Grapust ruture, embodies in as personal oginion defon SE opioitition - *1in Mold the take was that the of Jolonios conclusi of hopeover the turricorial quei 15 .ress VIews their - incon LEVEL uninion aceid and woods colonBus. to If choul- Prive, income but - meakbon. less dependent on ussolini. I Weldeve that 3116 - itker might at a réven moment back Jussolini's denands in tile editerr..neen, there will extst AMT distinct limit both as to vasat dehands de will buck and as to tile extent of the sacking he vill Ivo. In this connection Lubussy's tele par .6. 768, paragraph (4), may be noted. Pussolihi, 12 he his 9 clear vision of itler, will thus correspondir ly limit his real demands. in all t 15, should 10:00me - to that point, the extensive dust ruised by ar und Italian probaganda is liuble to be mislbadine. The crux 01 the natter, as In 3:00 it, 18 that Jermany does not desire a war in the vest under this reuson has no Intention OF somitting Italy to draw her into such & Tar. Chere La first the suestion OF whether Terminy could interbilly suo- port a war to the Lest. are toohnical iffer- ness or opinion on the score with I do not-feel propared or competent, to 100 into. # nost int Credit thing to me 13, nowever, that We STATE poople do not wish a war and, as a corollary ST that CHECK - German army is opposed to a eneral Tar. Poolin against war has rown in Cerguay over dinocithe risk of confict vas presented to the manage deculs in th Sudeten crisis. They recolled from-the by Insut possibility of war at the and they 100, - lieve, potentially still osed to IC I no not 11:05 by this that Germany would not have introned at 11.8 time of the Sudaten air. I as certain that would have marched? Molor any have but 1 Forward En Bluff to the excent that lie believed that 20 would be to obtain what no desired wishout a Mar. kost seciacaly, however, viowing the sliyation - Profi this mile, Indo not believe that Heat Britain one by any disbley or lorde could have brought Mitler to retire From hts cosition respecting Czecho- slovala. naverthelbss, bet litier into the tone realized, ind that the had leter 00- quatons to nots, united the do not ish сл become Involved in war. modern unsue, to = cortobrable milers, must Formis success directure copular will. What would not choild choorie involved in war, vanture to redict, The whitebande 20:100 movid 212 cubtedly NO to res 60 least be no not THE vos 11.1117 alax. - read OF und Assue, 1. 10 ave buates tilat with >thon 2052 aut DO Visity tion' mound to to bib nature DAY and become In whit pulle donts forrará AA, 1000 EX exvior X - 14 - 1° be diratoyle 15 Time to ofe the to for colonies with Imaly's decands In was Eastern .rrion, and us 020 OR the COULD MN, chy nauč, of 7,002 THE redent with as of machio 1 DNI T DO suct been sqaling.or and indidated that - that invication 10 have CED, 1116 that 18 of clud the realy Was its and Edva, Eltiva - Line. The only other avonue to onter de were 1h sundort 02 Ituly would be to send troops into 21 dy. This rasents Copy praction] difficulties 411 also be exc edincly unwalatable to DOB and GW run 200010. On CHA objer 1 10 not oblieve that Inler could be bluffed of .disolay of force but of any position which He may grosse DO take, any LOTO than I bolleve that such was the case in the Sugeten I believe this the concept that itlar could be this bluffed would beha corous thought for anyone to entertain who THIS not meany to CO to war. There naturally remainst WAS nefdoration that masolini Staying his own ourds hight42ace litter 0 with a fait accompli by waich Termuny Sienda into a conflict drainst Itles's Assiros and AS to the time when BURD levels sats 27 DO 500- peoped I would say that any move Tust unucubtedly - I wait the termination in some manger 05 other / Seanish Myll yar. I I reitérate instos Care oin Name one be- yond Car includinte increasions and unvo adón certain somewhat rarifIed prodictions. trust the Benartment DAR cisture Dave 13 revented as or Innation o'L' you physens payable or from policy this 58 way YOT NOT of 101020. 189 I vish, morsover to di phosize the element of the 1 the mediate in the impressions which I have sat forth. anyone retorting frde orlin must, If he has learned AM S., Der conscious OPEN sudden and unforesee- Feable Ifto with water Re may it my reed. - le orto (dotor in 1200 situation which street imbortance. In DATE Cores stoin touched HOOR the internet altuster in 19710 verinite dearte ON ex- 021027 I martichl riv or of 466 20, 4 DATE 13+ to 0.00 December factor said you Innau newly Joired with in the PAY La soonumic tion. it is notes cubject imion feel moment. preparen to discuss In my uninion PT unds nòvera bloma in borns 20- was be Internit resencies, is in inia, one, P. - suppet the 18 - CND ài ATTNES move I boculred so THE comittion. to water to is eymptomitic 0.0 other factors to sconcile - life 14 somethin water reserve. If, however, de 111 1001 individy to may be that an attetpt Visa - distitulties MY made vl 1 bedrius on investion which is SU Just 6. currect de child the of - rubtual-deberior THE 1 begause one office OF turd & dought DRD externed. choir airaction / Palm riss liked 1 800 of DIVISION TELEGRAM RECEIVED FEB EUROPEAN AFFAIRS BA/S. V39 RED 50 FROM tod DEPARTMENT OF STATE This telegram must bE closely paraphrased be- BERLIN fore being communicated to anyone. (D) Dated January 31, 1939 Rec'd 3:11 Pe Secretary of State, ON MR. POLITICAL DUNN RELATIONS 11939 Washington. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 79, January 31, 4 p. m. (SECTION ONE) 762 The Embassy has not been unaware of accounts reach- ing Berlin during the past several days of apprehensions 762.00/231 widely prevalent in certain states that some German military move to the WEST is imminent. From what I can learn here these apprehensions exist chiefly in Great Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and to a degree France and are reflected in the United States. This is made known to us by private telephone calls from such states, from travelers coming to Berlin and from flashes received by American press correspondents. II, To just what extent the Governments of these states share these beliefs or more particularly what grounds FP FEB they may have for doing so I am unable to say. A number of alleged German plans have come to me' IS3 cc CTH TLA in detailed form. One respecting Belgium is that Germany contemplates seizing Liege and holding it as hostage so to REB 2-#79, From Berlin, Jan.31,4p.m. (Sec. One) to speak for the turning over to Germany of the Belgian Congo. One concerning The Netherlands prefigures an armed assault on that country and the permanent holding of Amsterdam and Rotterdam as free ports, I have naturally Endeavored to ascertain what I can in respect of these matters. The French Ambassador and the British Charge d' Affaires in talking with me were Entirely calm. While naturally sharing certain general anxisties concerning the European situation as a whole they are inclined entirely to discount these stories which had also reached them. The Belgian Ambassador and the Dutch Minister stated privately that they WERE constantly receiving instructions from their Foreign Offices asking for confirmation or comment on these stories and they said that they found themselves completely at a loss what to reply. GILBERT CSB EU REB TELEGRAM RECEIVED This telegram must bE closely paraphrased bE- BERLIN fore bEing communicate-ROM to anyone. (D) Dated January 31, 1939 REc'd 3:15 p. m. Secretary of State, Washington. 80, January 31, 5 p. m. Continuing my 79, (SECTION TWO) I may say that I find myself in the same position. 762.00/231 On the substantive side all that WE are aware of here is that it seems apparent that Germany has recently shipped certain munitions to Italy and that limited military movements are occurring in parts of Austria./ These developments do not nevertheless SEEM to bE taking place on a scale which would reveal their imme- diate significance. In any EVENT I can obtain no indications that the German Government is contemplating Confidential Fle action to the WEST along the lines discussed above. I naturally do not regard this as a proof that Germany may not bE considering such action. I can only report that I Encounter no evidences to that Effect and that TT the current local beliefs SEEM to bE to the contrary. P At the moment I can add nothing to the discussion in my despatch 550, January 25. I now REB 2-#80, From Barlin, Jan.31,5p.m. I now venture to suggest consideration of the possibility of accounts of this and of a similar nature respecting activities in various parts of Europe, being put in motion by individuals or groups seeking to promote certain beliefs and to agitate public opinion for their own political Ends, Under modern technical conditions the mechanics of such projects would not appear to be difficult especially the device of creating the aspect of any given account being based on a number of apparently independent sources. Incidentally, as having something of a bearing on this, I have noted a growing practice somewhat alarming vis-a-vis the interests of truth, on the part of certain journalist circles to publish European political stories under false European datelines. In respect of this entire question I do not say that I assert the Existence of planned efforts such as I have described above nor do I wish to Exaggerate the possibility of their Existence. There COMES to my mind, nevertheless, the situation which I described in my 50, February 11, 1938, 8 P. m., and I can only fEEl that it is a question which merits at least some consideration. (END OF MESSAGE) GILBERT CSB DIVISION OF TELEGRAM RECEI OPEAN AFFAIRS PAD 6 1939 *NE FROM THENT of STATE JR This telegram must be Berlin (part air) closely paraphrased be- fore being communicated Dated February 4, 1939 to anyone. (c) Rec'd 7:40 a.m., 6th. DEPARTMENT or STATE Secretary of State FEBS 1939 file Washington, NOVISER ON Mn. POLITICAL DUNN RELATIONS FEB 71939 762.00/240 MEAR DIVISIO EASTE AFFAIRS 762/00 DEPARTMENT ur SIATE 94, February 4, 10 n.m. STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. 139 In respect of German policy vis a vis the states to the East and southeast as pre-figured in Embassy's 550, January 25, I now learn from an entirely informed confidential German source that the following has been laid down as Germany's long term plan. The aim gradually to bE achieved is the bringing together with Germany into a, so to speak, "autarchic FEB 1939 froti 562.014 762.67 bloc" all of the states lying to the East and the southeast down to and including Turkey. In an exaggerated manner of speech this project might bE described as a four year plan for the entire area. The plan will bE developed without drama or sudden demonstrations primarily 3TH on an Economic and commercial basis in distinction to a political basis. Such political associations ns may occur will flow from Economic associations. No particular methods are GML -2- #94, February 4, 10 n.m., from Berlin (part air). are worked out for the relationship with the several countries concerned; it is contemplated that they will merely take such form as progressive developments may suggest. On this score however a possible move during 762.65- the relatively initial stages of this general project 760c.62 may bE something in the nature of a customs union with Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Italy will bE granted wide participation in this scheme Especially in the areas where her natural interests lie. An accord in principle and also including certain preliminary details has already been reached with Rome in respect of this matter. Poland will also participate to a degree this bEing progressively dependent on Poland's general political position toward Germany, The plan in a general sense is already in motion. GILBERT RR:HPD REB GRAY Berlin Dated February 10, 1939 Rec'd 2:30 p. m. Secretary of State, Washington. 116, February 10, «3 p. m. D. A. Z. Evening February 9 in commenting on reported American conditions to the recognition of Franco Spain regards President ROOSEVELT as favoring the "REds" in 1911.62 violation of his country's professed neutrality and as s utilizing this occasion for purusing his hostile Ends against the authoritarian states. BERLINER BOERSEN ZEITUNG censures France for its tolerance of a Spanish "government" on French soil expressing the belief that in such circumstances it is difficult to Entertain seriously French expression of friendship for them. Today's issue same paper returns to the attack on President Roosevelt representing him as a disturber of the peace through his alleged policy of promoting dis- unity and his collectivist inclinations. The President is described as the best friend of the Bolshevists and, as an inciter of all European Elements of disturbance which - REB 2-7/116, From Berlin, FEb.10,3p.m. which has been quiescent since Munich. "HE has sounded the war cry against the authoritarian states". This paper while conceding a certain success to ROOSEVELT'S maneuvers notes with approval their failure to influence President Ortiz of Argentine. VOELKISCHER BEOBACHTER under the-caption "war agitator number one" follows the same line pointing out that Roosevelt despite the unexampled position of security which the United States Enjoys is unabashedly intervening in European affairs in support of popular fronts EVErywhere EVEN though such "fronts" were originally organized to disrupt democracies from within and EVEN though his policy will tEnd to install the United States in conflicts Everywhere. The press in general professes not to treat the President's disclaimer striously and repeats references to "frontiers in France." GILBERT EDA RGC TELEGRAM RECEIVED DIVIS ON OF EVROP AFFAIRS 1939 JR GRAY FROM DEPARTMENT OF STATE Berlin Dated February 23, 1939 711.62 Rec'd 1:50 p.m. Secretary of State, Washington. 138, February 23, 5 p.m. 711.62/231 The arrival of Washington's Birthday has given the press occasion to contrast Washington with Roosevelt to the disparagement of the latter. VOLKISCHER BEOBACHTER quotes EXCERPTS from Washington's forewell address which it supposes the President may view as FEB a relic of "the horse and buggy age". The paper insisted CEVILS that Roosevelt is arming for war and suggests that the Experience of the German people with his predecessor Wilson should cause the Germans to bE on their guard. Roosevelt is again described as being supported by united Jewry and in league with Bolshevism. BOERSEN ZEITUNG with similar references to Washington's forewell address laments that the friendly relations between the United States and Prussia developed under Washington should no longer influence American foreign policy, while DAZ warns Americans against entangling alliances describing Roosevelt as engaged in a dangerous pastime where the least slip may result in devastation for his whole people. GML NATIONAL -2- #138, February 23, 5 pame, from Berlin. NATIONAL ZEITUNG regards Roosevelt as a disturber of world peace while Silex writing in DAZ contrasts Chamberlain to Roosevelt stating that the former's words before the House of Commons should bE regarded as a warning to American war agitators. Even though Chamberlain is arming his country at an unprecedented rate there is a "fundamental difference" between him and Roosevelt in that the British statesman possesses n feeling of responsibility for Europe. D.D.P.K. likewise exudes friendliness toward England in anticipation of the approaching visit to Berlin of an Economic delegation headed by the President of the Board of Trade. Its issue of the 21st refers to Stanley and Expresses pleasures over the possibility of achieving a broad basis of understanding. However, D.D.P.K. warns against a belief that the German system of autarchy will bE constrained to reach an agreement with the British since Germany has already without any Economic help from abroad achieved full and Enviable Employment for its population. Germany is merely desirous of attaining to an honorable Economic relationship in the spirit of the Munich Agreement. It is not for those who once robbed Germany of its foreign possessions and colonies to criticize this country. 0 GILBERT WC:HTM DIVISION OF TELEGRAM RECEIVED EUNOREAN ALLATHS EDA GRAY 1939 BERLINDEPARTMENT OF STATE From Dated February 24, 1939 RECEIVED 9:38 a.m. SECRETARY of State Washington 141, February 24, 1 p.m. Echoes of Washington's Birthday are commentated in semi- 711.62/232 official DDPK which voices astonishment over speeches made 19714 by Daladier and Bullitt at the Paris American Club's dinner on the 22nd in which the President's policies are described as animated by gdod neighborliness. "It is just the German neighbor which is continually assailed from America in the most unworthy manner and from offi- 1 cial sources while nothing remains unattempted to cause the relationships between Germany and the European de- mocracies to deteriorate." In a similar strain DAZ considers Daladier's allusion to Roosevelt as a paladin of peace and freedom to bE ridiculous since ROOSEVELT'S policy "seems to have no other aim than from a safe distance to drive the peoples of Europe into a baseless and sense- less war for the profit of Wall Street". BOERSEN ZEITUNG finds the hand of Eden in the machinations of Washington while at the same time attributing the (current outcries of the democratic states FEB 25 1939 FILED GML EDA - 2 - #141, February 24, 1 p.m. from Berlin states against the authoritarión ones to bolshevistic rage and despair arising through the fall of Catalonia. Washington is described as the base of this Bolshevik propaganda. Approving note has been taken of former Under Secretary of State Castle's remarks at Pittsfield. The Press of the past two days has given ample publicity to alleged details of the stormy meeting of. the German American bund in NEW York but seemingly refrained from Extensive Editorial comment thereon. For instance, VOLKISCHER BEOBACHTER in devoting an Editorial to denunciation of Senator Pittman and other members as war 8/11 mongers and "pirates of world politics" in that Germany is described as coveting territory from Holland to Siberia remarks "naturally Pittman is not missing from the hysterical circle which attributes the most disreputable purposes to Americans of German origin because they in association with other sensible Americans have opposed those attempts at unscrupulous popular mystification which Emanate from Pittman and company." It would appear that the Berlin press in mentioning the bund has taken pains to represent it as having a German American rather than a purely German character. GILBERT KLP EU. TELEGRAM RECEIVED EDA GRAY FROM GPO BERLIN Dated March 29, 1939 RECEIVED 2:20 p.m. SECRETARY of State DIVISION OF Washington EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AR 310 1939 wat 212, March 29, 3 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 360c.62 Embassy's 210, March 29, noon. After stating that "to the gratification of those who are interested in troubling German-Polish relations" 760C.62/476 the repeated occurrence of anti-German demonstrations in Poland seems to induce more than a temporary WAVE of chauvinism, yesterday Evening's semi-official organ of the Foreign Office the D.D.P.K. concludes its article as follows: "Irrespective of the obviously difficult relations between the German and the Polish nations aggravated by Versailles the Fuhrer consistently continued to influence the German people to the End that Germany should look upon having an independent and strong APR 1,1939 FILED Polish nation as a neighbor as a necessity from the point of view of a stable organization in Eastern Europe and that it was therefore desirable and imperative to G/HC live in peaceful relations with that nation. The Ger- man-Polish Treaty of 1934 converted this concept into a EDA - 2 - #212, March 29, 3 p.m. from Berlin a fact. If the Poles should have the 1dea that a similar attitude toward the German nation was not Equally necessary, in other words that it was not necessary to consider the vital rights and the honor of the German people, it would bE regrettable for the future harmonious development within Europe as it would cer- tainly bE detrimental to the Polish nation itself. It - is indeed a bigoted policy to consider it quite the right thing as they do in certain Polish cities to abuse or persecute Germans and this can mean nothing other than an avowal of adherence to the spirit of VERSUILLES. For after all mutual respect is the con- - dition precedent for friendly inter-governmental re- lations. The responsible factors in Poland surely will not overlook the special geographic situation of their country which has dictated its policy in the past, namely, to maintain good neighbor terms in all directions independently and without tensions. Poland itself should know what returns the former line of its policy has brought it and to what Extent its independence and its position in the world has aug- mented as a result thereof. It SEEMS questionable whether it would bE profitable to desert this line EVEN EDA - 3 - #212, March 29, 3 p.m. from Berlin EVEN though the sound of foreign sirens may turn it in a different direction". (END OF SECTION ONE) GEIST FPD - TELEGRAM RECEIVED JR GRAY Berlin GPO FROM Dated March 29, 1939 Rec'd 1:35 p.m. Secretary of State, DIVISION OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Washington. MAR 30 1939 212, March 29, 3 p.m. (SECTION TWO). DEPARTMENT OF STATE Although this warning to Poland has not thus far been taken up in concerted form by the Berlin press the ESSENER NATIONAL ZEITUNG yesterday featured on its front page an crticle bitterly citing numerous alleged attacks on Germans in Poland and other forms of "oppression" D.S. well n.S the holding of mass meeting in a number of cities at which insults to the "Reich and Fushrer" are alleged to have been perpetrated. Clearly implying that French and British agents in Poland have been active in stirring up these incidents the article states: "but as it becomes more obvious from day to day that the increase in such EXCESSES seems to bE proceeding according to a certain system it is not permissible to continue observing silence with regard thereto for in the long run EXCESSES of this nature constitute an intolerable strain on friendly German Polish relations". Although 1000 -2- #212, March 29, 3 p.m. (SECTION TWO) from Berlin. Although this incipient press attack against Poland may represent primarily a move to influence Beck prior to his forthcoming journey to London it nevertheless strikes an ominous note in view of its close similarity, both in content and language, to the press campaigns preceding the annexation of Austria and the Sudeten and the establishment of the Czechoslovek protectorates. The vitriolic attack on the "demooracies" particularly Great Britain which has been carried on during the last weeks continues with unrelieved intensity. Although indignation and ridicule are centered around alleged British attempts to "Encircle" Germany through formation of a coalition analogous to that Erected against Napoleon crticles are constantly appearing condemning other phases of alleged British policy, both past and present, for instance her current policy in Palestine, the Boer War and the historic British slave trade. The fall of Madrid is greeted with acclaim in this morning's press. Since this development is interpreted as a defent for Moscow it is consequently characterized as a victory in fact for all Europe which German National Socialism and Italian Fascism at least are Enger to refuse. Great Britain and France are sharply chided for their "futile hypocritical" policies which attempted to prevent the inevitable triumph of Franco. (END MESSAGE). WWC:CSB GEIST CONTENTS Communications from Germany Telegram No. 213, March 29, 1939, (741.62/343) Telegram No. 237, April 6, 1939, (740.00/742) Telegram No. 240, April 8, 1939, (765.75/451) Telegram No. 241, April 8, 1939, (7600.62/497) Telegram No. 247, April 13, 1939, (740.00/794) Despatch No. 724, April 24, 1939, (740.00/1362) Despatch No. 746, April 27, 1939, (740.00/1469) Despatch No. 770, May 2, 1939, (740.00/1470) Telegram No. 310, May 3, 1939, (760C.62/546) Telegram No. 329, May 8, 1939, (7600.62/572) Despatch No. 960, May 8, 1939, (740.00/1789) Telegram No. 350, May 12, 1939, (7600.62/574) Telegram No. 354, May 12, 1939, (740.00/1446) - Telegram No. 355, May 13, 1939, (740.00/1457) Telegram No. 356, May 13, 1939, ( If ) Telegram No. 386, May 18, 1939, (762.65/595) Telegram No. 412, May 24, 1939, (762.94/362) Telegram No. 416, May 25, 1939, (762.65/616) Telegram No. 417, May 26, 1939, (7600.62/619) Telegram No. 423, May 27, 1939, (740.00/1605) Telegram No. 433, June 1, 1939, (740.00/1626) Despatch No. 929, June 5, 1939, (762.65/633) Despatch No. 930, June 5, 1939, (740.00/1790) Despatch No. 938, June 5, 1939, (762.65/634) Telegram No. 454, June 7, 1939, (852.00/9230) I Telegram No. 491, June 14, 1939, (7600.62/639) -2- Communications from Germany Telegram No. 514, June 17, 1939, (741.61/709) Telegram No. 515, June 18, 1939, ( " ) Telegram No. 545, June 23, 1939, (760C.62/658) Telegram No. 546, June 23, 1939, ( If ) Telegram No. 682, July 21, 1939, (7600.62/724) Telegram No. 736, August 5, 1939, (741.94/274) Telegram No. 751, August 8, 1939, (740.00/2026) Telegram No. 752, August 8, 1939, ( If ) Telegram No. 772, August 10, 1939, (762.65/674) Telegram No. 785, August 12, 1939, (762.65/678) Telegram No. 789, August 12, 1939, (760C.62/806) st TELEGRAM RECEIVED EDA This telegram must be FROM BERLIN closely paraphrased before being communi Dated March 29, 1939 cated to anyone (c) RECEIVED 2:10 p.m. DEP. DE OF STATE Secretary of State P DIVISION OF MAR 3 01939 EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Washington pne DEPARTMENT OF STATE MAR 30 1939 DIVISION OF NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS 741.62 213, March 29, 4 p.m. Hitler has been so angered by the change of - 741.62/343 English policy recently announced by Chamberlain that he is contemplating naming the new battleship presently nt 862.34 to bE launched "AD DRAL VON TIRPITZ" the implications of which name the Germans think the British will well understand instead of "FREDERICK THE GREAT" AB origi- nally planned. By a source I consider reliable I am informed that Hitler now intends to pursus his program of EX- pansion in Europe without making any further effort to secure English non interference. Hitler's policy it is believed will be aimed at separating France from England and preparing more intensively for an Eventual show-down with England, the intention being to induce France to make an agreement with the axis partners whereby France as a secondary power would enjoy & guarantee of security from both Germany and Italy. The APR 11939 CIRTLE present relatively conciliatory attitude of Mussolini toward GML EDA - 2 - #213, March 29, 4 p.m. from Berlin toward France and the alleged secret Encouragement hE is giving to promoting conversations are designed to carry out the above mentioned aims. Nitler contemplates in addition forging ahead by (1) maintaining steadily at all costs preponderence 862.248 over England in the air, (2) by unrestricted submarine construction if the Germans eventually decide to de- nounce the British German naval treaty and, (3) by Excrting pressure in conjunction with Italy and Spain against England's vital points such as the Sudan, Gibraltar, Et cetera. There is no intention of allow- ing events in the immediate future to bring on a major conflict compelling the axis powers to face the combined forces of the British and French Empires at their strongest points and under strategic conditions un- favorable to Germany and Italy. In line with this policy the Germans contemplete announcing shortly that Spain is a great power where- 762.94 upon Spain will soon join the anti-Comintern pact. I believe the foregoing represents what the Germans are actively turning over in their mind. It is unnecessary to caution that the Nazi plans are subject to sudden change. GEIST CSB is TELEGRAM RECEIVED JR This telegram must bE clostly paraphrased be- FROM Berlin fore being communicated to anyonE. (c) Dated April 6, 1939 Rec'd 3:10 p.m. Secretary of State, DIVISION OF EUROPEAN AEEAIRS Washington. APR 1939 740.00 not 237, April 6, 4 p.m. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Accerding to reports from Paris and London informed circles there consider that war may break out in n week or ten days. No such indications Exist here. Hitler returned to Berlin Tuesday and after 740.00/742 a few hours' conference with Ribbentrop departed for Berchtesgaden. HE was in a cheerful state of mind, saw / a private movie and busied himself chiefly with plans concerning his birthday. The opinion is held here in governmental circles that BECK will most likely sign a defensive alliance with England. If so, the SEVEREST pressure will bE placed upon Poland for a voluntary solution of the Danzig corridor and upper Silesian questions with the aim FP of finally choking Poland to death by Eventually surrounding and cutting her off from ACCESS to the SEN. The Germans are confident England will not guarantee the status quo of the territorial differences between Germany and Poland. APR 10.1989 ONILE The ⑉2⑉ #237, April 6, 4 p.m., from Berlin. The Nazis consider relations with England have practically ceased to exist, The slogan is "Gott 741.67 stràfe England" and leaders are confident here that by playing on the words "Encirclement" and "hunger blockade" a war spirit could bE worked up which would bE vocative enough to impress the world with the public approval back of Hitler in his campaign against England. It is not the intention however to precipitate a general struggle in Europe but to continue sapping and undermining the foundations of potential victims and enemies. 1 The Albanian Minister, formerly his country's Foreign Minister and considered well. informed, states that despite denials of his own Government he has reason 765.75 to fear imminent Italian attack on Albania as move to distract world from German contemplated aggression against Poland which he believes should shortly follow this Italian action. /hile I cannot vouch for accuracy of story a reputable American just returned from Prague reports arrival there of German soldier casualties said to have been incurred in border fighting against Poles in TESCHEN area. From ⑉3⑉ #237, April 6, 4 p.m., from Berlin. I From available information there have been to date no troop concentrations along the Polish frontier although there is Evidence of prior arrangements 760c.62 having been made for such an eventuality. Owners of various private cars were notified that they were to bE commandeered this week and a new restricted area in southwestern Germany and East Prussin on the Polish border has been announced by the Foreign Office. Military furloughs over Enster are being freely granted and leading officials of various Ministries are planning to leave Berlin for the holidays. Presumably because of the concentration of the press against England and Poland less space is devoted - to press criticism of the United States. In regard to the American attitude toward Germany a curious incident occurred yesterday when GENERAL Milch Chief of the German air corps asserted to the Military Attache that it would bE impossible for the United States EVEr again to send troops to Europe because 8,000 out of every 10,000 would bE lost. Similar statements are understood to have been made by air officers to other individuals. It is believed locally that the publicly announced meeting of the German commanding general and the Italian chief S ⑉4⑉ 1237, April 6,74 p.m., from Berlin. chief of staff at Innsbruck is intended no n demonstration of military solidarity and it is possible the meeting vill bE followed by a public affirmation in this sense. GEIST I CSB t EU JR GRAY Berlin Dated April 8, 1939 Rec'd 12:45 p.m. 1 Secretary of State, Washington. 240, April 8, 1 p.m. note The few papers publishing editions this morning concentrate on expression of approval of Italy's action in Albania and on corroboration of Italian arguments advanced in justification thereof. Germany's official attitude in the matter is conveyed in the following announcement by the German NEWS Agency: "In connection with the reports of Italian troops landing in Durazzo it is learned from official German quarters that this action is in conformity with the word - and the spirit of the Italo-Albanien Treaty of Friendship of 1827 and also rith the dèep fellow feeling of the Italians for the Albanian people, Cermany appreciates the fact that Italy cannot permit n constant focus of unrest, disturbing to general order and at the same time threatening the security of the Italian population there to bE created in a country of such vital importance to Italian interests on the other side of the Adriatic. Germany - -2- 240, April 8, 1 p.m., from Berlin. Germany fully understands that Italy must protect her interests in this area and would not understand or approve interference by the western democracies in the legally indisputable position and action of our axis partner where the former have no interests". Although constituting in general & reiteration in stronger terms of this statement Editorial commentaries ndd that Zog had for some time been intriguing against Italy and oppressing the Italian population in Albania. Indicating that his course in this respect vas, instigated by agents of other novers particularly Great Britain who wished to disturb Ithly's relations with Yugoslevia, Mussolini's action is interpreted ns a sharp rebuke to the democracies. In this/ connection the VOLKISCHER BEOBACHTER writes. | "The democratic world may clso let todey's incident serve it as a lesson to the effect that the developments of the young political movemento in Central Eurone cannot be broken by intriguen and diplon tic maneuvers." Spain's adherence to the inti-Comintern plet is likevise featured this morning. It is hoiled 18 the 94 logical outcome of Fr nco's valinnt struggle against Bolshevism inwhich Germany and Italy have from the outset -3- 1/240, April S, 1 0.00, from Berlin: outset supported him. The ennouncement of Spath's association with Germany, Italy, Janan and Hungary in the fight against the "world scourge of Bolshevism" is welcomed as particularly propitious at this time, the VOLKISCHER BEOBACHTER stating "At n moment when renewed Efforts Tre being made to SET up 3 democratic front and to adapt it to Mongow, Spain has formally wecomplished her accession to the common aims and life of the young aspiring peoples among whom she Ind already taken her place through her heroic fight, nov to shape her national destiny but of the forces of her blood and soil in cooperation with them." GEIST - CSB DOCUMENT FILE NOTE SEE 760c.62/497 FOR Tel /241 2pm FROM Germany ( Geist ) DATED Apr.8, 1939 TO NAME 1-1127 ... 765.75/475 REGARDING: Italian attack on Albania Believed - was part of a general plan between Germany end Itely but the invasion was started several days before the date set. dg SHIP MA This telegram must be Berlin closely paraphrased before being communicated to Dated April 8, 1939 anyone. (C) Rec'd 12 p.m. Secretary of State Washington 241, April 8, 2 p.m. There is no doubt that unusual military preparations are under way at the moment in Germany. The concensus of opinion of military observers, however, is that these preparations are not far enough advanced to enable decisive action to be taken immediately amainst Poland, 760c.62/497 760c. "Preparations" SO far reported are; (one) an order, yesterday placing the German army in "merch readiness"; (two) reported gradual strengthening of German garrisons along Polish ,rontier both in East Prussia and in the main erea of the Reich. According to one source of information here, while Germany and Itely ad agreed to She Ister's attack on Albania as eart of D ceneral plan, the Italian invesion was started several days before the dute-set, GEIST - SECRETARY OF TELEGRAM RECEIVED REB MESSERSOURH This telegram must be closely paraphrased bE- FROM BERLIN fore being communicated to anyone. (D) Dated April 13, 1939 Rec'd 2:25 P. m. Secretary of State, Washington. DIVISION OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS 247, April 13, 5 p. m. APR 14 1939 140.00 STRICTLY CONPIDERTIAL. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Last night privately at the house of a friend I had 740.00/794 a comprehensive conversation with the Chief of the German General Staff regarding the political situațion in Europe. I gave the General a clear and unequivocal Exposition of our views on recent EVENTS in Europe. HE appeared to be very much disturbed over the possibility of America, in case of war, throwing the weight of her resources and support on the side of Garmany's potential Enemies. HE said that the German army was bound under all circumstances to support Hitler in his program of international action APR and negotiations no matter what course EVENTS took. The German military leaders while pledged to do their duty GDG hoped that those statesmen politically responsible for Germany's future as WELL as foreign statesmen and diplomatists would bE able to avoid an international con- flict and settle all problems without bloodshed; as a general REB 2-1/247, From Berlin,Apr.13,5p.m. general war hE feared would destroy European civilization and the German army did not want war. The General said that Hitler's mission was to procure for Germany sufficient room in which to live; that is, to put the country territorially on a self-sufficient basis $62,50 with respect to raw materials and food. HE said Hitler would not halt in his efforts to accomplish this program. HE believed that when this was accomplished it would be the End in Germany of Hitler and a National Socialist regime. HE said Hitler had hoped that the western democracies would take a realistic view of Germany's funda- mental position and not interfere in Germany's Eastern aims but since England and France are now making diplo- matic moves to block Germany's Eastern expansion Hitler wàs looking again toward the west; inferring that unless fewer obstacles were placed in the way of Germany's Eastern expansion it would bE necessary for Hitler to End the opposition which might happen in the west. I obtained the conviction from the conversation that (1) the German army was entirely subordinate to the wishes 862.20 of Germany's present political leaders under Hitler, that (2) the army while well prepared and probably 30 well prepared REB 3-#247, From Berlin,Apr.13,5p.ma prepared that Hitler would not hesitate to USE it to force his will is strongly opposed to war and that the military heads in Germany are apprehensive as to the course EVENTS may take. The latest information from informed sources is that the Germans are becoming alarmed at the intense war talk abroad and that in Governmental circles here the word has gone out to make an effort to tone down the general strained international atmosphere. GEIST. WWC CSB Es EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PAID No. 7 Borlin, April 24, 1939 / Subject: Remarks of a National Socialist Party Orficial Concerning Germany's Plans and Ambitions. OFFICE OF THE ADVISEA of INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC Mt.cKS DEPARTMENT OF STATE JUN - 2 1939 OSTAR 1939 MAY o 45 PM 12 45 DEPARTMENT OF STATE CHAROPM Physe 1339 the LEARTMENT OF STATE DEPAR Wit STRICTLY CONSIDENTIAL MAY 24 1939 an The Honorable STATE MAY 22 1939 DN MK, POLITICAL DUNN RELATIONS 740.00/1362 The Secretary of State, DEPARTMENT CF STATE Washington. SISTANT SECRETARY MAY FAMS 30 DEPARTMENT OF Sir: I have the honor, as of possible interest to the Department, to transmit herewith a summary of observations concerning Germany's plans and am- bitions made to a member of the Embassy's staff on April 20 (Hitler's birthday) by Herr Werner Daitz, a Reichstag Deputy who is also a principal in the National Socialist Party Foreign Press Bureau- He GMB- is understood to be closely associated with Reichs- leiter Alfred Rosenberg- It will be noted that Herr Daitz manifested considerable hostility toward recent actions and statements of the American administration and of the British Government as constituting an unwar- ranted interference in Germany's current develop- ment. Herr Daitz did not hesitate to emphasize that - 2 - that such development involved expansion into eastern Europe. Respectfully yours, Raymond H. Geist Charge d'Affaires ad interim. Enclosure: Summary, as above. 800 JP:EM Enclosure to despatch No. 7. of April 24, 1939, from American Embassy, Berlin, Germany. MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION April 20, 1939. Subject: Germany's Plans- Participants: Herr Werner Daitz, Reichstag Deputy and Director of the Office of Foreign Politics; Administrator of the Nation- al Socialist Party, and Mr.Patterson. Herr Daitz, whom I met at a musical celebration in honor of Hitler's birthday held in the late af- ternoon of April 20, showed himself indignant over Roosevelt's message to Hitler and Mussolini, which he considered an unwarranted intrusion into European affairs. Mr. Daitz also strongly disapproved the imposition of 25 5 countervailing duties on German articles imported into the United States. He stated that he was, in addition to being a National Social- ist journalist, close to Rosenberg, an economist and had recently written a book on National Socialist economic proposals. Referring to the military par- ade held for four hours on the same day, Herr Daitz alluded with manifest exuberance to the display of artillery which he was certain had made an impress- ion on all visitors. One gun shown was represented by him as being the largest piece of artillery (cap- able of being moved by motor vehicles) in use by any country. Germany - 2 - Germany was determined to resist any attempt by any country to repeat the blockade measures of 1918 end was already in e. position to withstand such meas- ures should any country impose them. Germany, as a result of its experiences of the past war, desired to be 80% self-contained in e. material sense. Foreign trade would supply the remaining 20% of Ger- many's material requisites. During the Middle Ages Germany had expanded toward the East but following the discovery of America this trend had been reversed 80 that immense numbers of Germans had crossed the seas to the Americas. Now, owing to the stoppage of large-scale emigration, Germany, possessed of a popu- lation too large for its present area, was determined to renew its eastward expansion. Such expansion was needed to supply the necessary bases for a good mater- ial life of the German people. However, such economic and financial considerations were not the sole urge im- pelling National Socialist Germany eastward. Bolshe- vist Russia was essentially an Asiatic conception and had brought Asia nearer to Europe than in the past. A glance at the map would show Europe to be at best a peninsula jutting out from Asia. Europe should be larger and Asiatic influence should be repelled. German eastward advance thus would serve not only material needs but also to expand European culture. Germany's advance would destroy no cultures higher than its own and would indeed bring civilization to benight- ed areas. Herr - 3 - Herr Daitz ridiculed the idea that Germany, once in possession of an eastern empire, might use its increased force to expand towards the West. He stated that such ideas were fanciful and that Germany would reduce her armament, on which excessive sums were now being expended, as soon as it had used it "to put a fence around the prop- er German field." He added that the National Socialist Government had consciously prevented the elevation of the German standard of living during the past years in order to obtain security for the people and an adequate area for their life. However, once this security had been gained, expenditures on non-productive matters would be reduced and the people given opportunity to lead a better life in a material sense. All the foregoing was, how- ever, apparently not understood abroad although Germany had endeavored to make it abundantly clear, at least to Great Britain, that by concluding the Naval Agreement of 1935, Germany had no overseas ambitions or desires to disintegrate the vast British Empire. As for the Americas, Germany wished merely to trade with the countries of the Western hemisphere- Pro-Nazi manifestations by German's resident in the Americas did E not constitute anything in the nature of "cells" for the furtherance of National Socialist designs on the se- curity of such countries. The attitude of German na- tionals in the Americas resembled the attraction of fil- ings toward a magnet, National Socialist Germany being the latter. It was spontaneous and inevitable but con- stituted no political danger for the lands in which these - Germans were living. In - 4 - In Europe, Germany had absorbed Czechoslovakia as being merely a province which had been under German con- r60.00 trol for many centuries. The Czechs have been always subject to the Germans and have not had a real state of their own. This and similar areas were the natural field for German expansion. On being asked why, when the Germans had had an eastern empire at the end of 1917, during the war, they - had not made peace with the western powers on condition - of continuing to hold such eastern lands, Herr Daitz stated that it was the effective entry of America into the War about that time which had made it impossible for the Germans to consolidate or organize their gains in the East, Germany had accordingly been obliged, in view of American participation in the hostilities, to transfer forces in the West and continue to fight there. Had the United States not entered the War, a much more reasonable and enduring peace would have resulted in Europe. Herr - Daitz stated that the United States did not understand Europe and its intervention in the affairs of the older Continent resembled the attempt of an immature child to instruct its mother. | As for the Treaties of Brest-Litovsk and Bucharest, these were simply war measures and were, as such, severe. They did not represent the attitude which Germany would adopt in the future toward areas falling under its con- trol. He stated that one would merely need watch the reorganization of Czechoslovakia to be convinced of the truth of his observations. As for the Balkans, Germeny's commercial - 5 - commercial activity in thet area had been the result of its own enterprise which had fructified a rather barren economic area for the benefit of all concerned. In the past, neither Great Britain nor France had shown any in- terest whatever in the Balkans and had contributed noth- ing to the development of the area. Now, however, that Germany had developed a thriving trade, the western pow- ers wished to seize it for themselves. Herr Daitz, however, stated that despite British unwillingness to recognize Germany's new position on the Continent, Germany would go ahead. He looked for a show- down in German-British relations in the near future, - in a future much nearer than most people might think pos- sible. "The British think that God speaks English" and the Germans will not tolerate British interference and Humana /22 haughtiness. If certain countries fear Germany it is because they have guilty consciences from having stolen German territory at Versailles. The less said about morals in international relations, the better. Certain- ly Britain's conduct in the formation of its empire, and indeed the American's too, would not stand very close scrutiny. Germany, he repeated, did not wish to rule both East and West. It had no designs on Holland or the Dutch Colonies. Germany did not even desire to hold Poland, which had not belonged either to the Empire of Henry the Fowler, founder of the First Reich, or to the Holy Roman Empire. Poland might lie in the way, but Russia was the ultimate goal. There was no possi- 761.672 bility, according to Herr Daitz, of an agreement with Russia. Any rumors regarding the possibility of an alliance - 6 - alliance with Soviet Russia were more than absurd. Germany is going forward since nations, like indi- viduals, must progress or decline. / It is impossible to assume a statio position or to accept one imposed by others. Roosevelt's recent message is in essence I a plea for freezing of the territorial status quo and so cannot be accepted by Germany- JP:KM