862.404/164: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 3—1:40 p.m.]
231. The logical consequence evidently of Hitler’s statements of last Friday that National Socialism would carry through its program against “pigmy remnants of” resisting organizations, the new repressive measures against the evangelical opposition include confiscation of central funds, rigid censorship of church publications and law of yesterday designating Kerrl’s committees as sole church authority. Confessional bodies not dissolved but deprived of ecclesiastical functions. Law, however, implies liquidation of Müller regime.
It is learned that Prussian Confessionals consider issue joined and are planning immediate defiance by proceeding with their own ordinations and the holding of meetings of their governing bodies. Catholics understood to be deeply concerned with seizure of records in Berlin Bishopric offices disclosing details of Reich ecclesiastical political organization.
Political tension created by church disputes is heightened at seemingly well informed reports of action against party offices because of corruption. Hitler’s speech on the other hand showed determination in the face of present difficulties and Schacht’s address of Saturday elements of reassuring strength. In comparison with Schacht’s Koenigsberg speech the latter has apparently been received with better grace by party radicals who seem willing for the time being to accept him in a critic’s role.