862.00/3304a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to President Roosevelt, Aboard the U. S. S. “Houston”
The German Chargé d’Affaires called this morning and made a vigorous protest against the speech made by General Johnson yesterday in which he said:
“A few days ago, in Germany, events occurred which shocked the world. I don’t know how they affected you, but they made me sick—not figuratively, but physically and very actively sick. The idea that adult, responsible men can be taken from their homes, stood up against a wall, backs to the rifles and shot to death is beyond expression. I have seen something of that sort in Mexico during the Villa ravages and among semi-civilized people or savages half drunk on sotol and marijuana—but that such a thing should happen in a country of some supposed culture passes comprehension.”
Following this protest and strong interest on the part of the press, I have given out the following statement:
“The German Chargé d’Affaires called at the Department of State this morning and protested to the Secretary of State against the [Page 240] remarks reported to have been made by General Hugh S. Johnson in his speech on July 12, 1934, relative to recent events in Germany. The Secretary of State called the attention of Dr. Leitner to the published statement of General Johnson which appeared in this morning’s press to the effect that he ‘was speaking as an individual and not for the State Department or for the Administration’. Mr. Hull confirmed the accuracy of this statement and said it was to be regretted that the position in the Government occupied by the speaker made it possible for remarks uttered by him as an individual to be misconstrued as official.”
I hope you approve.30
- In a telegram from the U. S. S. Houston, received July 14, 10:45 a.m., the President replied: “Your July 13, 3 p.m., cordially approved.” (862.00/3305)↩