760F.62/751: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany ( Wilson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 12—4 p.m.]
431. Henderson returned from Nuremberg this morning. I find his impressions of sentiment are almost identical with what I reported to you in my 425, September 8, 6 p.m.20
He had the impression from various indications in his talks with men in real touch with Hitler that the latter was contemplating a relatively peaceable statement tonight. He feared that the declaration given out by Chamberlain last night would not encourage Hitler to persevere in this policy. (Incidentally he had not received a copy of this statement, nor have I, nor has it been published in the German press). He argued that Hitler feels deep resentment over the claims made in democratic countries that the British warning of May 21 deterred him from military action and that it is unlikely that on the day following a further warning from Chamberlain Hitler will show himself conciliatory.
Henderson read me a memorandum of conversation on September 10 between Halifax and Kennedy which the Ambassador has doubtless reported to you21 as well as a memorandum of a conversation between Halifax and the Russian Ambassador in which the latter urged that the British Government make a more categorical repudiation of the Times suggestion regarding the fate of the Sudeten Deutsch.
The Russian Ambassador apparently also suggested a joint démarche to Germany in which the United States might be induced to join. Halifax replied in respect to the first suggestion that he thought sufficient denial had been made, in regard to the second that the French had already apprised him of the Soviet suggestion.
The British manager of the American Express Company states that families of British residents are already leaving Berlin. He had discussed their departure with a Secretary of the British Embassy and the Vice Consul had stated that they were suggesting that such departure should be made.
Repeated to London and Paris.