862.00/2921: Telegram

The Ambassador in Germany (Sackett) to the Secretary of State

32. Nazi Reich Commissioners have taken over the police and other administrative functions in the Hanseatic cities and all German states not already controlled by Nazi governments including Bavaria. Reports of terrorist activities by members of the Brown Army against individuals and trade unions are daily reaching the Embassy from our consular officers and other sources. The regular police is entirely powerless or reluctant to take action. In some parts of Germany troops of uniformed Nazis have forced Jewish-owned department and chain stores to close. In Berlin similar groups in front of such stores are intimidating the public into buying only German goods and in non-Jewish stores.

The Nazi flag, and to a much lesser extent the old Imperial flag, have been hoisted over all public buildings the Republican flag having disappeared entirely. Officials who dare to resist the hoisting of Nazi flags over public buildings are subjected to assaults and indignities.

The Reichstag will convene presumably March 21. The indications are that the Communist deputies, without being formally outlawed, will not be admitted to the deliberations.

There is a growing opposition among the Nazi leaders to the leading officials in the Foreign Office, practically the only Ministry not already reorganized by the Nazis. I understand that the Nazis intend to replace Neurath with Papen in order to eliminate the latter’s influence in Prussia. In this respect they are meeting with opposition from the small group of Hindenburg’s advisers which, however, they expect to overcome.

Sackett