862.00 P.R./130
The Ambassador in Germany (Sackett) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 11.]
Sir:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. The Election Campaign. The high-handed methods by which the Nazis are conducting the campaign; the systematic breaking up of meetings of political opponents; the tactics of intimidating and terrorizing the population; the arbitrary suppression of left newspapers, while the Nazi press continues to defame and vilify political opponents; the refusal of Nazi police commissioners to permit popular Social-Democratic leaders to speak at political meetings; the confiscation of placards and literature; the systematic attempts on the lives of republican leaders; and, above all, the condoning of acts of terrorism by the Nazicontrolled police if the victims are so-called Marxists, clearly indicate that the election on March 5 will not be “a free expression of the will of the people” even if the ballot-boxes should not be tampered with.
In the course of this month, approximately 150 newspapers have been suppressed, most of which are Social-Democratic or Communist organs, though a large number of Centrist organs have also been suppressed for publishing an election appeal by leading Catholic associations. However, following a conference between Centrist leaders and Minister Goering, the ban was raised after being in effect only one day. The prohibition of many Left journals in Prussia is being daily rescinded by the Supreme Court, but the work of suppression continues unabated.
Accurate descriptions of existing conditions in Germany appear only in the foreign press. The journals published in the Reich are not only afraid to print what happens at home, but are even careful about printing statements concerning the situation in Germany appearing in the foreign press. The official statements about political disturbances are deliberately colored, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain impartial information. Even most cautious criticism of the actions of the Government is becoming increasingly scarce.
Apparently not satisfied with the results already achieved by his repressive measures, Minister Goering has issued instructions for the application of the Decree of February 4 restricting the freedom of the press and the freedom of assembly, which imply that offenses are to be dealt with rigorously only when committed by persons and journals opposed to the Government.
[Page 200]By another decree, Minister Goering instructed the Prussian police to cooperate with and protect the Brown Army and Stahlhelm, but to treat political organizations opposed to the parties in power as enemies of the State which must be put down ruthlessly. In this extraordinary decree he ordered the policemen to make liberal use of their firearms in case of emergency. He promised protection to policemen who used firearms freely, but threatened disciplinary measures against those who failed to do this.
Under the pretext that political disturbances allegedly instigated by the Left parties are endangering public security, Goering has issued an ordinance authorizing the appointment of members of the Brown Army and Stahlhelm as Auxiliary Police, who will wear, while on duty, the uniforms of their respective organizations and a white armband with the inscription “Auxiliary Police.”
It will be seen that Goering deliberately draws the line between the so-called National organizations and all others, without even a pretense to impartiality or fairness. The employment of young men with fanatic political ideas as special policemen is regarded by the parties of the Left as a provocation and, in view of Goering’s decree demanding ruthless repression of political opponents, may lead to serious complications with far-reaching consequences.
The Prussian Staatsrat, which, unlike the Diet, was not dissolved, has passed a resolution protesting against Goering’s decrees to the police. Dr. Adenauer, the President of the Staatsrat, was authorized by resolution to approach President von Hindenburg in person with a view to securing a rescission of these decrees. Through the intercession of Vice-Chancelor von Papen, a meeting was arranged between Goering and Adenauer, as a result of which it is expected that Goering will issue a supplementary ordinance modifying certain objectionable provisions of the decrees in question. In consequence, Dr. Adenauer’s audience with President von Hindenburg will not take place.
Meanwhile, the Nazis and Nationalists continue to assert that they will remain in power after March 5 regardless of the outcome of the election. With this aim in view, they are consistently pursuing the policy of purging the administration in Prussia and the Nazi-controlled states of republican officials.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Respectfully yours,