862.00/2706
The Ambassador in Germany (Sackett) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 31.]
Sir: Supplementing despatch No. 1562 of March 14, 1932, reporting the results of the presidential elections of March 13,10 I have the honor to report that the greatest significance which can be read into them has to do with the relatively poor showing of the Communists and the unexpectedly firm discipline in Social-Democratic ranks. That the votes of the latter were brought out so effectively on a negative election “parole” has come as a distinct surprise to political observers. Neither veneration for the person of President von Hindenburg nor affection for the government of Dr. Brüning inspired them. Their sole objective was the defeat of Hitler and the “Third Reich”. In this the Social-Democrats have gained what appears to be a clear-cut victory. That they will be able to remain victorious in the forthcoming Prussian elections is, however, in the face of the returns of March 13th, highly dubious.
Hitler’s unwisdom in entering the list against President von Hindenburg seems clearly demonstrated. He has obviously suffered a set-back. His position, though, has none of the tragic element which delineates that of Geheimrat Hugenberg, the leader of the German Nationalists. The latter was sanguine that President von Hindenburg [Page 288] would poll less votes than was the case, that Hitler would poll more, and that the votes cast for his candidate, Lieutenant Colonel Duesterberg, would give him the pivotal position. He had looked forward with confidence to playing the decisive role; to holding the balance of power between President von Hindenburg and Hitler for the second ballot. The results, however, of March 13th make Hugenberg’s strength insufficient to help Hitler and too insignificant to be of interest to President von Hindenburg, whose reelection on April 10th seems definitely assured.
In the inner circle of the Government a somewhat malicious joy, rather than disappointment, is evident that a supplementary ballot will be necessary to complete the election formalities. It implies for Hitler the chagrin of suffering the same defeat a second time. Moreover, the second ballot involves a further drain of Hitler’s campaign resources, already reported to be at a low ebb.
Respectfully yours,
- Despatch not printed. The vote as reported, according to latest preliminary official count, was: Hindenburg, 18,654,244 or 49.6 percent; Hitler, 11,341,119 or 30.1 percent; Thaelmann, 4,982,870 or 13.2 percent; Duesterberg, 2,558,813 or 6.8 percent; Winter, 111,492. (862.00/2708.)↩