362.1113 Velz, Roland/2: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Dodd)
125. I assume, of course, that you will give full support to the protests already made by Messersmith in the case of Velz and call at the Foreign Office to ask what they intend to do in this newest case of an unprovoked attack on an American citizen. Publicity here is widespread.
I have told the press for background that in other cases we have received apologies and expressions of regret but little or no information as to what punishment has been meted out to assailants or to police when they are derelict in their duty.
I am awaiting assurances on this point in the present case, as well as in numerous earlier cases.