840.48 Refugees/999: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 28—2:45 p.m.]
664. My 656, November 25, 5 p.m., second paragraph.69 Ribbentrop’s office asked me this morning if in view of the Foreign Minister’s [Page 843] occupation with his Paris visit I would see Woermann instead. As I must naturally comply with such a request I saw Woermann at noon today.
He remarked at the outset that he was fully conversant with what Ribbentrop had said to the Ambassador concerning Rublee’s possible relations with the German Government. In line with instructions I thereupon raised the question of Rublee’s visit. He responded by reasserting that the German Government still did not find it possible to receive Rublee confidentially. He then said that the proposal that Rublee meet certain “unofficial Germans” was under “serious consideration”. He went on to say, however, that it would probably be impossible for Rublee to be present at such a meeting without attendant publicity and that it thus seemed desirable that reasonable assurance for a successful outcome of such a meeting be attained before the occurrence of publicity. He said that they were considering proposing that it might be advisable that some competent person other than Rublee have a preliminary conversation with the Germans in question prior to arranging a meeting between them and Rublee. He added that they had Pell in mind who had the title of Assistant Director and who it was felt could come to the Continent without the purpose of his visit being known.
I told Woermann that I had wanted to see the Foreign Minister himself not only because it was he who had last discussed this matter with the Ambassador but also because I felt strongly that the greatest and indeed gravest importance attached to the matter. I said that Rublee’s waiting so long in London in a matter obviously of such importance not only created a very bad impression but could justifiably be regarded as unsatisfactory in every respect. I said that the present thought of the German Government to reduce in effect the importance of a meeting, a procedure which also would involve further delays, was much to be regretted. I added that I did not know, however, what the answer would be to such a suggestion should it be made inasmuch as that was something solely for the Committee to decide but I hoped that the German Government would recognize the importance of expediting matters by Rublee himself attending any meeting which might be held.
I then urgently pressed that he tell me when he could have a definite answer. He eventually replied that he would let me know “within a week”.
I wish to make clear that in my talk with Woermann I carefully refrained from any discussion of the Jewish emigration problem per se and in particular in respect of the question of the funds which emigrants might take with them. I felt it wise to abstain from any [Page 844] such discussion in order not to prejudge such position as the Committee might at any time see fit to take and also not to afford the German Government an opportunity to base a refusal to meet with the Committee on anything I might say.
Woermann stressed the merits of private exchanges between the Committee and the German Government taking place in such a manner as he outlined it being sound diplomatic procedure to agree informally on a tentative agenda and to take soundings respecting a possible agreement in advance of a more public and formal meeting. He added that inasmuch as the Committee appeared to be autonomous the means suggested were the only one that had occurred to them to achieve this end. I gained indeed the impression that the German Government at present at least intends shortly to make a proposal along the lines of what Woermann had to say provided they can feel reasonably certain that in this first move publicity can be avoided.
Inasmuch as Woermann may give me an answer at any time I would appreciate the Department’s early instruction as to what response I should make if for example a proposal be made respecting Pell as outlined above and I would also appreciate being afforded for background purposes any more general position I should take in regard to this entire matter as it has developed.
Repeated to London for Rublee.
- Not printed; the pertinent passage reads: “I have asked for an appointment with Ribbentrop but at the moment no time has yet been set.” (840.48 Refugees/984)↩