Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1920, Volume II

701.6211/479: Telegram

The Commissioner at Berlin ( Dresel ) to the Secretary of State

Berlin , June 8, 1920—noon .
[Received 7:55 p.m.]

588. In the course of informal conversation with Von Haniel, Under Secretary of State, he cautiously broached the subject of unofficial German representation at Washington to correspond to [this] commission. He hinted that reciprocity in this respect seemed only fair though he acknowledged there might be difficulties. In view however of the possibility of regular relations not being resumed for a considerable period, he thought such representation extremely desirable especially from point of view of commerce and passports. He added that the idea was personal with him and that the Cabinet had not discussed the matter.

Haniel’s attitude was in no way aggressive and I gathered impression that even if the request were refused no objection would be made to continuance of commission here. I told him I had no indication of the views of our Government but that it might be thought at home that public opinion was not yet ready for such a step.

Shall appreciate instructions as to what answer should be made. It is possible that the subject was taken up at this juncture partly as a consequence of the arrival of Coffin and other consular officials.¹ In this connection see my 280 April 7, noon, last two sentences.² No doubt a favorable answer would leave us a freer hand here and might enable us to lay closer contracts [contacts?]. If proper safeguards are taken I am inclined to recommend adoption of a plan of the kind provided that no serious obstacles in the way of public sentiment or otherwise are against it. It would be necessary in any case to have it understood that any German mission in America must be used purely for business purposes and not as a propaganda bureau.

Dresel

1. The Department had instructed Dresel on May 12: “Coffin and other officers for present are considered part of Commission, and their offices wherever established should be considered as branches of the Commission and not as having a consular character. … Consular officers in Germany should not perform any consular work other than passport and visa and submission of economic observations. Spanish Consuls still in charge American interests and will perform consular functions.” (File no. 123 C 651/183.)
2. Not printed.