862.4016/1813: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 10—10:35 a.m.]
605. My 600, November 8, 4 p.m. and 603, November 9, 5 p.m.58 In the early hours of this morning systematic breaking of Jewish owned [Page 396] shop windows throughout the Reich and the burning of the principal synagogues in Berlin was carried out. Observers noted no uniforms of Nazi organizations among the perpetrators of this action. Nevertheless, it is not conceivable that this admirable body of police would have tolerated such infraction of order unless general instructions to that effect had been issued.
The noon press nevertheless carries the following release by the semi-official German news agency:
“When news of the death of the German diplomat and Party member Vom Rath at the hands of a Jewish murderer became known spontaneous anti-Jew demonstrations in the whole Reich developed.
“The profound indignation of the German people found expression in considerable anti-Jewish actions in many instances.”
Editorial comment continues along the same lines described in my telegrams under reference which seems to imply a continuation of anti-Jewish measures. Moreover, an order by Himmler is published forbidding Jews to possess arms. This has given rise to considerable apprehension in connection with the return of Vom Rath’s body to Germany.
Although no arrests have been reported in Berlin the Consulate in Breslau reports arrests of Jews there this morning.
- Neither printed; they summarized German press reaction to the assassination of Vom Rath, German Secretary of Legation in the German Embassy in Paris, by a Polish Jew named Gyrnszpan (862.4016/1808, 1810).↩