870.811/54: Telegram
The Commissioner at Berlin (Dresel) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2—2:23 p.m.]
1047. Department’s [Commission’s] 948. My August 10, 10 [8] p.m. In my first conversation with Simons since his return from Switzerland I again mentioned the German protest on Hines’ appointment stating that this had created a distinctly unfavorable impression in Washington and that it was difficult to see why as a practical matter Germany should object to the functioning of so impartial an official as Hines. He thereupon said that Germany while a state of war was still outstanding could not admit that certain subjects should be treated by America as if peace had been declared and while German property was still held by the Alien Property Custodian as during the war. He suggested that if assurance could be given by the American Government as to this and some other matters which were left in abeyance the protest would be waived. He further emphasized that Germany was anxious to have an award made which would enable her to know where she stood on river shipping and was entirely opposed to interposing objections for delay alone. I did not pursue the subject further in the absence of instructions as to what answer will be given to the official German protest.