There was a certain amount of military precautions in Berlin on Thursday evening and all soldiers were confined to barracks but yesterday, Friday, there was no sign of special precautions and no evidence of unrest.¹ It is, of course, difficult to say how things will develop. The Government and party can almost certainly keep the country quiet but the armies abroad are in more independent position. Much seems to depend on how deep the movement has gone among the officers in the field. The most serious defection at home is probably that of Fromm,² head of reserve, and as such controlling millions of men. I understand he has been arrested. In his speech Hitler spoke also of course as head of the army and addressed especially members of the army.

One aspect of the matter is that the Germans are now justified in believing on evidence of presumably competent officers rather than foreign propaganda that the military situation is very serious. This attempt was, I think, a complete surprise to officials. The Secretary of State, when he was out here Wednesday night, clearly had no inkling of the plot.

I have, like rest of diplomatic corps including Holy See, signed in Chancery.