893.01 Manchuria/1040
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 17.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a translation68 of a brief notice which appeared in the Deutsches Nachrichtenbüro of February 21, 1934, to the effect that the Washington administration was considering recognition of “Manchukuo”.
In this connection I received a visit this morning from Mr. Daitz, the head of the Foreign Political Office of the Nazi Party, who came to see me expressly for the purpose of urging that course of action. Mr. Daitz based his argument on the necessity for developing German exports, a process which he considered would be greatly facilitated, as far as “Manchukuo” was concerned, by recognition on the part of Germany.
It so happened that a member of the Embassy staff had occasion, shortly afterwards, casually to meet Mr. Meyer, Head of the Oriental Division of the German Foreign Office. The views of this official on the subject of “Manchukuo” were conveyed in the Embassy’s confidential despatch No. 483 of January 30, 1934. The question was, however, again broached to him with a view to ascertaining whether any change of attitude in the Foreign Office had since occurred. Mr. Meyer replied that though he supposed that recognition of “Manchukuo” by Germany might in the course of time well come about, especially in view of the friendly sentiments entertained in his country for Japan, yet he expressed no concern whatsoever in regard thereto. The information contained in despatch No. 483 is, therefore, apparently not modified by Mr. Daitz’ visit. Perhaps his views may be personal ones looking towards the possibilities of special business; possibly the Party organs are more exercised over the “Manchukuo” question than the Foreign Office. It may also well be that the Japanese considered that their persuasive powers would be better spent on the Nazi Party organs than on the Foreign Office.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩