Berlin, October 7, 1935.
 
 
 
Dear Mr. Messersmith:
 
 
The German Government at the present time is watching
the European situation as it is affected by the Italo-Abyssinian
dispute with a profound interest. Word has gone but the newspapers
to refrain from criticisms which might reflect unfavorably on the 
attitude of "splendid isolation" which has been officially assumed.
The German public on the other hand is one hundred per cent back of the 
Abyssinians and follows the events with a passionate interest, hoping
for reports of Italian reverses. The neutral attitude of the Government
and the press attracts no atention; but if a pro-Italian policy
were adopted and publicly appeared as such in the press
it would certainly be secretly opposed by the mass of inhabitants.
A few papers such as the Frankfurter Zoitung have been able to conceal
their disapproval of the Italian policy.
 
 
It was thought at first that the German Government
would bring the Memel question to a head at the end of
last month and take advantage of the strained position
between England and Italy; but this appears not to be the 
case. The Germans are going to do nothing in a military 
way for the time being; though a serious outbreak of war
in Europe might change the attitude of the Nazis. A high
personage in the Reichswehr last week explained that
Germany was not going to make any military move in any
direction; that Germany would not abandon its claim to
Memel and that it would not "let up" on Memel until it
was reincorporated in the German Reich. The Fuehrer's
speech at Nuremberg in this regard was the beginning of
a steady campaign to this end; but the problem of Memel
was bound up with all the other eastern questions, which
eventually the powers would prefer to settle than have a 
Germany which is steadily increasing in military might
and prestige, make Memel more and more a disturbing 
element in the complex of European peace.
 
 
A few words about the position of the Reichswehr
will illuminate the actual situation. The Reichswehr is
now proceeding feverishly toward perfecting its peace
 
 
strength.