862.00/2900: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Sackett) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 16—2:50 p.m.]
24. The Nazis by replacing Prussian officials with their own adherents are swiftly and systematically fortifying their position in the administrative branches of the government. The indications are multiplying that the non-Nazis members of the Cabinet are becoming disturbed at the course events are taking but apparently are impotent and evince a reluctance to seek Presidential assistance even if it would be forthcoming. Practically all police commissioners throughout Prussia have been replaced by Nazis with ultrareactionary records mostly former Army and Navy officers of the daring type. I understand that Goering intends to use the Brown Army as auxiliary police even going to the extent of alleging the existence of emergencies and that elections meetings of political opponents are to be sabotaged by Fascist methods.
The muzzling of the opposition press especially of the leading moderate journals (already quite evident from their current tone) has curtailed this valuable source of information and the lack of reliable press news gives rise to disquieting rumors.