862.00/3359

The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State

No. 1111

Sir: I have the honor to report that, according to an announcement made by the Führer’s representative, Rudolf Hess, Dr. Staebel, who had been leader of the Nazi Students’ Association, having been called to the Reich management of the P.O. (Political Organization—the chief Nazi organization in addition to the SA and SS), has terminated his activity in the students’ organization. The Nazi Students’ Association is now directly subordinated to Hess himself, and, pending the appointment of a new leader, will be reorganized by his confidential representative, Dr. Wagner.

Incidentally, Dr. Wagner, who is a physician, is said to be addicted to drink and to have been dropped from his professional association before the advent of the Nazis to power. Thereafter he was entrusted with the cleansing of the medical profession of non-Aryans, a task which he accomplished with harshness.

The leader of the “Reichschaft” of the Students at the German universities and professional schools, Dr. Staebel, as well as the leader of [Page 287] the German “Studentenschaft”, Zaeringer, have resigned. The Reich Minister for Education has appointed Andreas Feickert, a student of national economy, to replace both Dr. Staebel and Dr. Zaeringer. Feickert immediately dismissed all the chief officers of the Studentenschaft. They are to continue to administer their offices, however, until the appointment of new men, which is to take place shortly. The local leaders and their chiefs are to be assembled towards the end of August in a camp in Rittmarshausen, near Gottingen, where they are to be given instructions concerning the work of the next semester. It is understood that political activity, marching, etc., has had a detrimental effect on the studies of the student body, and it is expected that the new instructions will envisage greater attention to academic work.

In order to establish constant connection between the Nazi Party and all ministries having to do with the universities, research institutes, etc., Rudolf Hess has appointed a commission to investigate all proposals submitted for appointments, etc.

Respectfully yours,

William E. Dodd