760C.62/204

The Chargé in Germany (Gordon) to the Secretary of State

No. 2418

Sir: With reference to despatch No. 2363, of May 4, 1933, I have the honor to report that developments in Danzig are once again affecting Germany’s relations with Poland. It would seem to be quite generally assumed that the forthcoming Danzig elections are likely to result in the accession of the Nazis to power there, as is already the case in the Reich.

According to the press, the Nazi leaders in Danzig (Albert Forster and Dr. Rauschning) on May 14 assured the High Commissioner of the League, Rosting, that in the event of a Nazi success, they intended to maintain peace with Poland and to respect the treaties and the constitution of the Free State of Danzig, as guaranteed by the League of Nations.

Nevertheless, in view of the allegiance of the Danzig Nazis to Hitler, and their nationalistic attitude, the apprehension expressed in Poland of impending Anschluss can be readily understood, though the German press may not be quite unjustified in its professed belief that Poland is exaggerating this for ulterior motives. The Germans argue that a change in the control of the Danzig Government would not alter the Treaty of Versailles, and thus could have nothing to do with Danzig’s international status. Indeed, they assert, a Nazi Government in Danzig would be a strong government and thus all the more worthy of confidence, and if—while legally quite independent of Germany—it were to be in sympathy with Hitler, this would only signify an additional guaranty for Poland, as Hitler had stressed his desire to live at peace with that country.

Considerable feeling was aroused in Germany by the announcement that, in view of the Gleichschaltung of the labor unions in Germany, the affiliated ones in Danzig, with Social Democratic leadership, had planned to sever this connection and join forces with the [Page 450] Polish labor unions, in an attempt to escape a like fate. The carrying out of the Gleichschaltung in Danzig, as well, however, forestalled such action.

Respectfully yours,

George A. Gordon