Geist, Raymond H., Berlin. To G.S. Messersmith, Vienna.

Regrets cannot communicate freely; some information more important if communicated immediately and waiting for courier to cover circuitous route unsatisfactory; has learned courier leaving on 22nd for Paris and will send present letter by him; enclosing copy of despatch which shows how new cotton barter deals are to be arranged; investigated [Hans] von Seeckt's death; learned von Seeckt with other defense officers were summoned by Hitler for interview; Hitler wanted to make stand in Sudeten Czechoslovakia by sending in S.S. and S.A. troops; generals opposed idea, and Hitler had one of his tantrums; the scene so upset von Seeckt that he had a reaction which ended fatally; Karl von Wiegand called back from Egypt to have interview with Hitler last week; interview has not been made public, but saw copy of interview submitted to Hitler for his approval and made memorandum, copy of which is sent herewith; according to informant, [Joachim] von Ribbentrop's report of interview with Lord [Irwin] Halifax was bad; Halifax told Ribbentrop that any German demand for colonies would be refused; another report says Halifax agreed that Germany should be given access to raw materials and foodstuffs and adequate credits to take care of her needs, but all in the framework of the League of Nations; memorandum prepared by Wirtschaftsministerium shows German export trade could be increased if raw materials are given to industry instead of armament firms; [Hjalmar] Schacht and [Hermann] Goering disagree on subject; crop failure would mean catastrophy; was informed that action in Czechoslovakia set for May, not by regular military forces but by S.S. or S.A. and if it looks as though armies of France and England might move, the "unofficial" army can be called home; was also informed Hungary plans to send a number of "benevolent interventionists" to Czech-Czechoslovakia; Germans charmed with Franco success, and parties who helped to stage show in Spain eager to try in other spheres; information comes chiefly from [Alfred] Rosenberg clique, but no doubt that [Heinrich] Himmler had hand in Spanish interventionist scheme