Secretary of State
 
 
Washington.
 
 
April 29, 10 p.m.
 
 
 In a conversation last night Goering
raised the matter of helium. He spoke with deep emotion
and bluntness. He said that every German felt that after
the Hindenburg disaster and the engagement to permit the
sale and export of helium which had been consented to,
the reversal of policy could only mean deliberate un-
friendliness on the part of the American Government.
Relations between Germany and the United States had been
brought to the lowest possible point and this over a
matter of minor importance to both nations. He said "I
cannot understand what leads a nation to Earn the enmity
of another over such a little thing". He declared to
me with considerable solemnity that as chief of the air
service he gave his word of honor that the helium would
not be used for war purposes, indeed it would be too
stupid to contemplate putting an airship into war service
which could be shot down so readily. Germany, however,
could not accept a control of its word of the honor. If
it was impossible to get helium the German people would
not forget America's attitude but it would not give up
thereby the use of airships and would continue their old
hydrogen.
 
 
WILSON