862.00/3058: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—1:15 p.m.]
131. Department’s 100, August 19, 2 p.m. I venture to press Department to reconsider the question which I deem a vitally important one. [Page 258] I feel that if the diplomatic corps is dragooned into going to Nuremberg not only will a vicious precedent have been established but also the event will be exploited intensively to the entire world as an indorsement of the present regime and accept the theory that the Nazi Party is synonymous with the German Government and nation.
We had of course already inquired as to the British and French attitude. … I understand that he57 had recommended to Phipps58 that he should accept but this morning he intimated to me that Phipps may decline the invitation “for urgent family reasons”.
The French Ambassador had immediately referred the question to the Quai d’Orsay but has not yet received a reply. He authorizes me to say that his own personal view is strongly against acceptance of the invitation; feeling it imperative that the attitude of the British and French should be identical he has counseled his Foreign Office to consult with the British Foreign Office.
I may add that the Spanish Embassy will definitely not be represented at Nuremberg.
I again venture strongly to urge the Department to take this matter up immediately either in Washington or through our Embassies in London and Paris in order that this Embassy may not have to undergo the unnecessary risk of taking an isolated position. Please instruct me further.