Office of the Historian

862.4061 Merry Widow/1: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Germany (White)

Washington, January 24, 1935—6 p.m.

5. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer state their film “The Merry Widow” has been rejected by the German censor and that no reason was given, although usually the German censorship authorities give one. The Company is at a loss to understand this decision, in view of the unexceptionable character of the production and its unusual musical merit. It has no desire to question the censor’s right of rejection, but is interested, if possible, in learning the reasons for such action with a view to the possible remedying of the difficulty.

Please make discreet inquiry into this matter and submit a telegraphic report.

Frederick Strengholt of the Berlin Office of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is fully informed regarding the case and may perhaps be consulted with advantage.

Hull