760C.62/1199: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30—11:22 a.m.]
958. My 955, August 29, 9 p.m.84 I understand that the interview with Hitler yesterday evening created a distinctly unfavorable impression on Henderson. Not only did Hitler express himself with the [Page 385] vehemence which was lacking in the interview prior to Henderson’s departure for London but the essential terms of Hitler’s statement were regarded as offering small basis for a profitable continuation of discussions especially in regard to the German stipulation as to Danzig, the Corridor and the Polish minorities and the requirement as to the appointment of a Polish negotiator. As regards this latter point however I am informed that the German memorandum85 stated that the Government “counted on” the arrival of a negotiator during the day of August 30th but did not convey this requirement in the form of an ultimatum and that Hitler confirmed to Henderson that no ultimatum on this point was intended.
Both the French and British Ambassadors today manifest distinct pessimism as to the immediate situation and from information obtained from members of the Polish Embassy conditions are regarded as sufficiently grave to warrant the immediate departure of several of the personnel of the Embassy although the Ambassador himself and certain secretaries are remaining. Speculation in general is turning on the point as to whether Hitler has entered upon an actual phase of negotiation in the hope of satisfying his aims sufficiently without having to resort to war or whether he is working for time pending the adjustment of new factors which may have arisen as regards the military situation or the completion of diplomatic moves especially in the direction of Moscow and Tokyo. However unclear may be the opinion as to the tactics now in process there seems to be agreement that while on the one hand Hitler will be astute to detect any sign of weakening on the part of governments opposing his aims and if impressed by any such sign will endeavor to profit thereby in his present dealings; on the other hand if circumstances finally confront him with what appears to him to be definite obstructions in the way which he feels he must go he cannot choose but proceed in the attempt to override those obstructions regardless of methods and consequences.
I am informed that the official information from London which reached the British Embassy during the night was to the effect that attempts were being made to produce a Polish negotiator but that the time mentioned seemed short. From foreign sources I learn that the pessimism prevailing in London is in contrast to the moderate relaxation in tension which some have lately discerned as being manifested in lower German Government circles in Berlin.
(Impossible to repeat foregoing to Paris or London.)