811.91262/197: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
1024. My 991, March 18, 1 p.m.7 Under Secretary of State Woermann received me at 1 p.m. today. He was polite and cordial. He stated:
- (1)
- The accusation is against Hottelet and not against the United States Press [United Press?] office in Berlin.
- (2)
- The case has no connection with the charges against Manfred Zapp.
- (3)
- He believed the charges were grave and sustained.
I asked that Hottelet be released on bail, parole, or any kind of guarantee. He answered this could not be granted. I asked that counsel be allowed at once. He said the law did not permit this, but promised the quickest examination to bring the case forward to the point where the charges may be dismissed or if sustained the accused may engage counsel. I then insisted upon permission for the Embassy to visit the prisoner. The Under Secretary agreed and arranged for an Embassy officer to talk to Hottelet tomorrow at noon. The Under Secretary emphasized that every care was being taken of the prisoner’s health and welfare. Yesterday permission was given to Oechsner, United Press Manager, to send special food and some clothing.
I pointed out the perturbation caused in the United States by this arrest. I told him I thought the best thing in the interest of all concerned was to communicate to me the specific nature of the charges and the evidence for the confidential knowledge of my Government which now only knows that a vague general accusation of the grave nature of espionage has been made against its citizen. This request seemed to make some impression on the Secretary who promised to consult the proper persons to determine whether my request could be satisfied. [Page 601] I stressed this point at length and have a small hope that something may come of this request.
No one else was present at the interview.
- Not printed.↩