TLS as president, one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, July 2, 1941. Letter to Congressman Joe Hendricks. In part: “I acknowledge, with appreciation, the receipt of your letter of June 19, 1941, expressing your approval of the action in closing the German Consulates in this country, and submitting information relative to Mr. Wilhelm Tannenberg, First Secretary of the German Embassy in Washington. I have been glad to refer this letter to the Department of State for its information. That Department has not been unmindful of its responsibility to be informed of the activities of the representatives of foreign countries in the United States and of determining whether such activities conform with their official status and duties in the United States. I may assure you that the competent agencies of the Government continue to follow closely any action on the part of representatives of foreign governments which may be inimical to American interests.” In fine condition. Although the US was officially neutral in the summer of 1941, relations with Germany were rapidly deteriorating. Following revelations of subversive activities on the part of their consular officials, the United States ordered Germany to close all of its consulates by July 10; Hendricks had publicly demanded the recall of Wilhelm Tannenberg, first secretary of the German Embassy in Washington, saying he was certain that Tannenberg would take action to ‘assist his government to the detriment of our national defense.’ Contrary to these suspicions, Tannenberg in fact worked to thwart pro-Nazi propaganda in America. A fascinating tale of international political intrigue from shortly before the US entered WWII. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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