811.91262/334: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 8—1:15 a.m.]
2721. My 2628, June 30, 7 p.m. The Embassy has today been orally informed by the Foreign Office that Hottelet will be released tomorrow morning to a representative of the Embassy as the result of an exchange arrangement. While no restrictions are to be placed by the [Page 619] German authorities on his freedom of movement for the next few days the Embassy has been requested to take general custody of him and see that he leaves from Frankfort with the American consular officials. I have discussed the matter with Oechsner, the head of the local United Press Bureau, and he agrees that it is of the utmost importance that no publicity whatsoever be given to Hottelet’s release until he has crossed the border into Spain and that even then great circumspection should be shown as to the manner in which it is treated. I propose, therefore, to keep Hottelet quite isolated during intervening days pending his departure from Frankfort and with the exception of Oechsner nothing is being said to anyone in Berlin about his release.
The Foreign Office has said nothing about Nelson or Allen. Hottelet was interviewed on July 3d by Carlton Hurst who reported him well and without complaint of his treatment. The message from his parents was delivered and he sends them his love.