862.015311/6

The Acting Secretary of State to the German Chargé (Leitner)

Sir: I have received your note of July 29, 1935, in which, upon instructions from your Government, you lodge a protest against the [Page 486] action of demonstrators in New York in tearing down the German flag flying from the bow of the German steamship Bremen when that vessel was departing from New York the night of July 26, 1935. You also give expression to the hope that everything will be done by the appropriate American authorities in order that the guilty persons may be punished.

The appropriate authorities in New York have provided me with a full report on this matter, and I enclose a copy for your information.45 You will note that the police authorities took most extensive precautions in order to prevent any untoward incident; that having learned in advance that a demonstration was planned, they consulted with the representatives of the interested steamship companies and in co-operation with them took all measures which seemed calculated to assure order; and that the incident which actually occurred was in no sense due to neglect on the part of the American authorities.

I invite particular attention to those sections of the report which indicate that a very considerable number of police were detailed to prevent disturbances; that the police suggested measures to prevent persons other than the passengers and other duly authorized visitors from boarding the vessel but that the officers of the steamship line did not deem it necessary to adopt such measures; that unauthorized persons accordingly succeeded in boarding the steamer; that before the vessel sailed such elements started a demonstration; that police authorities took immediate and efficient action with a view to clearing the ship of all unauthorized persons; and that during the course of this action one of the police, namely, Detective Matthew Solomon, in attempting to apprehend the ringleaders, was set upon, knocked down, and sustained serious injury.

I also invite attention to that section of the enclosed report which indicates that the persons implicated in this disorder have been apprehended and are being held for trial.

It is unfortunate that, in spite of the sincere efforts of the police to prevent any disorder whatever, the German national emblem should, during the disturbance which took place, not have received that respect to which it is entitled.

Accept [etc.]

William Phillips
  1. Not printed.