711.62/178: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—1:15 p.m.]
753. All of the Berlin morning papers carry articles of a similar tenor which in their concluding passages embody what is unmistakably an officially inspired statement of the German Government to the effect that a decision in some terms has been taken respecting German relations with the United States.
I learn that the American correspondents here, particularly the New York Times and the United Press, are telegraphing the text of the more significant passages. I may comment that the Berlin papers express themselves with varying shades of emphasis with particular reference to import—certain papers definitely speaking of a break in relations while the Völkischer Beobachter, the Party organ, with greater reserve suggests that German policy will be determined by future developments.
I am of the opinion it is strongly probable, although not necessarily certain, that a definite decision has been taken by the Chancellor: (1) To break relations in the very near future, possibly immediately after Christmas, and that a notification of that character will shortly [Page 454] be made to me or; (2) such German action will be dependent on what the German Government will construe as an official indication of the attitude of our Government translating this latter in the light of recent happenings. I should say that the German Government would construe a public position taken by a highly placed official of the Federal Government either along the lines of Mr. Ickes’ speech or a position that Mr. Ickes’ speech represented the official attitude of the American Government as an indication that the United States itself desires a break in relations or acquiesces in German action to that end. It is possible however that the German Government will await the President’s message to Congress which it is believed here will deal significantly with American foreign relations. I wish to make clear that my immediate opinion expressed above is based solely on articles in the German papers interpreted in the light of our knowledge of the official character of the German press. I have as yet no indications of German policy from any other source.
Should the German Government take action in the sense described it is impossible to forecast the form or the scope which such action might assume.