741.62/79
The Ambassador in Germany ( Dodd ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 15.]
Sir:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
However, one of the outstanding reactions in Germany to Hitler’s recent pronouncements68 is the decided feeling of rehabilitation and of return of self-respect even in quarters not sympathetic with Hitler and the Nazi Party in general. Opposition is eased, the significance of broken treaties and pledges is minimized and there does not seem to be any semblance of gratitude for the consideration which Germany may have received at the hands of the other powers during post-war years. Hitler has assumed a great responsibility in the pronouncement of his peace through armaments thesis and many changes in the Nazi framework may result therefrom, but the fact remains that at the moment he is more powerful than ever in Germany, and by the same token he is more than ever a potential menace to the peace of Europe.
Respectfully yours,
- Pronouncements on compulsory military service.↩