760C.62/782: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 10—3 p.m.]
771. My 770, August 10, 10 p.m., and 749, August 8, 5 p.m.25 I have just seen the British Ambassador who said that he is communicating [Page 209] with Lord Halifax on the basis of the anti-Polish press campaign as resumed in the German press today and is pointing out the serious consequences inherent in a continuation of the publication at this time in the Polish press or even in the press of other countries of articles and statements which can be used by the Germans to develop the impression that the threat of war comes from outside Germany. The Ambassador continued that if, as his instinct tells him, Hitler has not decided on war such statements from abroad merely support those in Germany who may be advocating extremist measures and that even if an act of force has been determined upon here it is to be deplored that any opportunity such as the publication of these statements offer should be advanced which would assist the Germans in an attempt to shift the blame if only in argument for an eventual act of aggression on their part. The Ambassador added that he believed that every effort should be made to counsel restraint in public utterances outside Germany and concluded with a statement of his conviction of the powerful influence which could be exerted by the President in counsel along these lines delivered by his Ambassadors in London, Paris and Warsaw.
- Neither printed.↩