862.404/145

The Ambassador in Germany ( Dodd ) to the Secretary of State

No. 2287

Sir: I have the honor to report that within the last few days since the writing of the Embassy’s despatch No. 2281 of September 6, 1935, there have been signs of a split developing in the Confessional Opposition of the Evangelical Church.

It now becomes more clear that the plan Reich Minister for Church Affairs Kerrl has in mind for the Protestants is a kind of all-inclusive Church government which would grant the various “tendencies” a certain freedom of action but would destroy their integrity as separate groups. Some of the leaders who were evidently more interested in the Confessional movement as an instrument of opposition to Reichsbishop Müller than in its basic tenets, have been enticed by the Kerrl proposal as well as by intimations that the police orders of last spring banishing numerous pastors from their parishes might be rescinded within the next few days. The more determined Confessional authorities, however, apparently mean to have nothing to do with the suggested solution, feeling that with their identity as a group extinguished, they will become merely another organ of the Government and will lose all power to uphold their claims for freedom of conscience.

The split is likely to become manifest on the issue of the convocation of the Prussian Confessional Synod which is due to meet on September 16. Minister Kerrl seems to be bent upon preventing the holding of this meeting, which is likely to witness some very plain speaking, it being considered even not impossible that he may resort to the police and the use of force to carry out his desires in this respect. It is reported that Bishop Marahrens of Hanover, the national head of the Provisional Confessional Administration, has been won over to Kerrl’s position. The majority of the Prussian Group, however, seem just as determined that the Synod be held and that should Bishop Marahrens show himself opposed he be repudiated.

Incidentally, a Catholic demonstration was held yesterday, September 8, at the Sportpalast to greet Count Preysing, the new Bishop of Berlin. Tickets of admission to the meeting were all disposed of [Page 366] long in advance. In line with the present Catholic policy of caution, Bishop Preysing refrained from touching directly upon the issue between the State and the Church.

Respectfully yours,

William E. Dodd