860F.00/358a

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Czechoslovakia (Benton)

No. 321

Sir: A thorough understanding of the attitude of the German speaking population in Czechoslovakia toward the Czechoslovak Government and toward the governments of neighboring countries would appear to be of the utmost importance in relation to present and future developments in Central Europe. You are requested, therefore, to prepare and to submit to the Department a report in regard to the political and economic status of the German speaking inhabitants of Czechslovakia, their influence upon the internal and foreign policies of the Government, their attitude toward recent developments in neighboring countries, the trend of political opinion among them, and such other related matters as may, in your opinion, serve to throw light upon the influence which they may be expected to exert in respect to possible future political developments in Central Europe.

Very truly yours,

For the Secretary of State:
William Phillips