362.1121 Simpson, Lawrence/265
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Dodd)
120. I have today spoken to the German Ambassador regarding the Simpson case and pointed out to him the aroused state of public opinion in this country, a state of mind which has been aggravated and intensified by Simpson’s long period of detention prior to his trial. I dwelt on the necessity of making adequate provision to enable Simpson to present all testimony that may be of possible advantage to him and on the importance of giving the most fair consideration to his testimony in view of the fact that his counsel however conscientious is nevertheless a state appointed attorney. I stressed how unfortunate the effect would be here if any excessive or irreparable sentence were imposed upon Simpson.
I requested the German Ambassador to bring these considerations to the attention of his Government.
You are requested to convey them orally to the Foreign Office.