862.00/3343

The Ambassador in Germany ( Dodd ) to the Secretary of State

No. 1072

Sir: Adverting to my despatch No. 1000 of July 7, I have the honor to transmit herewith an official copy of Chancellor Hitler’s speech which he delivered before the Reichstag on July 13 at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin.31 The rather small building was well filled, the orchestra seats being occupied, as in December 1933 (see despatch No. 354 of December 14, 193331) by the deputies, most of whom were in uniform. General Goring presided, dressed in a resplendent uniform of the National Socialist Air Sport League. Most of the Cabinet were present, two conspicuous absences being those of Herr Schmitt, the Minister of Economics, and Vice Chancellor von Papen. The diplomatic box was nearly filled notwithstanding the non-attendance of many chiefs of mission.

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To a critical reader of Hitler’s speech several considerations would seem to present themselves. For instance, it is a completely ex parte one-sided denunciation of persons who can no longer appear in their own defence. No documentary proofs are cited by Herr Hitler although in one or two places he refers to oral confessions of guilt. Similarly no evidence is adduced to support the statements concerning the alleged conspiracy of Schleicher with foreign officials, although it might be said in reply to this that a due regard for Germany’s international relations may have restrained Hitler. Such omissions naturally tend to arouse doubt and suspicion as to the real nature of the alleged plot and the identity of the persons implicated. It is quite probable that Röhm, an active and ambitious man, may have become impatient and incensed with the thwarting of his reported plan to incorporate a part of the S.A. into the Reichswehr (see despatch No. 757 of April 2631). The latter organization has remained free to obtain its recruits from such sources as it deems suitable. He may also have feared that negotiations with France and England would bring about a reduction of his forces simultaneously with an increase of the Reichswehr. Despite all this it seems clear that he and the other most prominent leaders of the S.A. were captured virtually without resistance either from themselves or the alleged mutineers they were supposed to lead. Ernst, for instance, was not arrested in Berlin on June 30 but at Bremen where he was about to depart on a cruise. Hitler, however, states that on that very day [Page 242] Ernst was to carry out a major operation resulting in the seizure of the government buildings and the death of many persons. The conclusion seems inevitable that although discontent and latent insubordination may have existed in the S.A. they can hardly have advanced to the acute stage described by Hitler. Again the connection between such different types of persons as Röhm, Schleicher and Clausener is not adequately explained nor how they and many others could have all been involved in the same alleged conspiracy of violence and bloodshed. It has been rumored that there were three centres of discontent (1) Röhm and the S.A. leaders, (2) Schleicher, who may have entertained hopes of reentering the government and (3) certain Catholic circles. That all of these were prepared to execute a violent change in the government remains entirely unproved.

So far as the Embassy is aware, no German paper has published the names of those reported by Hitler to have been shot. The Paris edition of the Chicago Tribune however prints on July 18 such a list, which it states was released after much hesitation by the Propaganda Ministry. A copy is transmitted herewith.33 It will be observed that General Schleicher and wife are reported to have been killed for resisting arrest. According to reliable accounts, however, they were shot down in cold blood. The Embassy concurs in the view expressed in this article that the list in question is incomplete. It may also be slightly erroneous. A particularly interesting case is that of a young Jew called Stein who disappeared lately in Berlin. Some days afterwards Stein’s ashes and the dog who had accompanied him when he left his home were delivered to his father. It appears that while buying a paper he had been overheard making remarks alleged to be derogatory to the regime and was promptly arrested and shot.

The situation of the Government is a subject that merits attention. Von Papen, it appears, has repeatedly endeavored to see President Hindenburg with the intent of presenting his resignation. Hitler has forbidden him to do so and has stopped his messages to the President. It is probable that Hitler does not desire von Papen’s departure as this would tend to disturb public opinion. It is rumored, however, that the Vice Chancellor has left the country. The guard that was stationed about his house has been removed.

The rivalry between Goring and Goebbels is expected to result sooner or later in the overthrow of one or the other. At present Goring seems to be the stronger. His swift and ruthless methods and the strong police forces which are at his disposal are such powerful weapons that even as sly and clever a person as Goebbels may have cause to fear. It is noticeable that except for a speech which he delivered a few days ago rudely attacking the foreign press, Goebbels has been [Page 243] silent. It is rumored that his position is none too secure owing to his radical beliefs and associations.

President von Hindenburg is reported to be kept in almost complete ignorance of conditions in Germany. He is said to know nothing of von Papen’s wish to resign. He is guarded carefully by his son, Colonel Oscar von Hindenburg, who prevents news from reaching his father on the ground that unpleasant reports might affect the aged President’s health. The truth of the matter, however, appears to be that Oscar and Meissner, the President’s secretary, were involved some time ago in certain alleged misappropriations of the President’s campaign funds. Hitler knows this and can force the two men to do what he wants.

It seems to be generally conceded that the events of June 30 have much increased the Reichswehr’s power. The destruction of any ambition which Röhm may have entertained to make the S.A. an armed force has been destroyed. That body will doubtless be lessened in size and, if Hitler’s statement made during his speech is to be believed, will become an unarmed political organization. An address was made a few days ago by Hitler to a cavalry regiment at Zossen near Berlin in which he was reported to have expressed his confidence in the army which alone bears the arms of the state. As for the army’s position, it is believed that General Blomberg’s article in the Voelkischer Beobachter (see despatch No. 1000 of July 7 enclosure 634) correctly represents its views.

The state of public opinion, outside possibly of Nazi circles, is characterized by widespread uncertainty and fear, which the Chancellor’s speech has not removed. The position of the S.A. has undoubtedly suffered and probably that of the Nazi Party also. People hesitate to express their views and consequently it is difficult to obtain a comprehensive picture. The economic crisis does not tend to improve popular confidence and it is generally believed that food or clothing cards will soon appear and substitutes will be offered for sale. Rumors have been heard that more bloodshed will take place in about two months. It should be recalled however that German docility and submissiveness to authority is a powerful factor for stability.

Respectfully yours,

William E. Dodd
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