362.1121 Hirsch, Helmut/18: Telegram

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

38. Your 84, April 24, 3 p.m.5 The action taken thus far in the Hirsch case by the Embassy and Consulate General is approved and [Page 398] we are watching with interest the further developments you may report.

The lawyer for Hirsch’s relatives here called at the Department today and expressed appreciation on the part of the family for the action taken in behalf of Hirsch. We might add confidentially that the lawyer stated that he has an idea that Hirsch is a fanatical idealist. You might consider the expediency of suggesting an examination of Hirsch to determine whether he is in a normal state of mind. The lawyer stated that he could give assurances that Hirsch’s family and friends here are doing all they can to prevent the case from being made a cause for public clamor. There have been so far no instances of any undue exaggeration here of the reports of developments in connection with the case.

I took occasion yesterday to convey to the German Embassy here an explanation of the reason for the delay in our entering the case caused by the necessity for a thorough investigation here and abroad of the complicated circumstances surrounding the question of American citizenship involved and expressed the hope that no further action would be taken by the German authorities until we had had an opportunity to obtain all the facts in the matter, that you were being instructed to support the plea for clemency presented by Hirsch’s counsel and the hope that the German Ambassador would feel disposed also to support this plea with his own Government. I desire you to support to the fullest extent you properly may the plea for clemency presented by Hirsch’s counsel.

Hull
  1. Not printed.