Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1938, General, Volume I

840.48 Refugees/865: Telegram

The Ambassador in Germany (Wilson) to the Secretary of State⁴⁸

Berlin, November 2, 1938—7 p.m.
[Received November 2—2:14 p.m.]

587. Further reference to Rublee’s visit. I lunched today with one of leading bankers of Berlin. He informed me in the strictest confidence and begged me to see that no leak occurred, that both Funk⁴⁹ and Goering⁵⁰ are convinced that Rublee’s visit must be encouraged and that some kind of plan must be worked out with him. They see the great advantages to Germany of doing away with or mitigating this cause of international hatred. Goering, who is now in South Germany, intends to speak to Hitler on the subject. Their apprehension is Ribbentrop’s attitude which they fear will be exercised against the plan.

At the same luncheon Secretary of State Brinkmann told me that he was in hopes they could give me a favorable answer on this matter next week.

In view of extremely confidential nature of foregoing and the use of this code I am not repeating to London.

Wilson

48. Substance transmitted to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom for Rublee in Department’s telegram No. 676, November 3, 6 p.m.
49. Walther Funk, German Minister of National Economy.
50. Hermann Goering, German Minister for Aviation.