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NOTE: Ma document contain. InfonnatIon affecting the national defense Of the United This report con toln unproOlased information. States within the meaning of the espionage laws, Mitt 18, U.S.C., See. 793 and 794. Plans and/or potititee .ithould not be etc:dyed The transmission or the revelation of It. or modified &piety on the battle of Mill report. contents In any manner to an uneuthodzed CO;TirEATIAL (ClaasincatIon end Control l . parson I. prohibited by law. . mama COUNTRY: WEST GERMANY RePoRTINumqm 2834022464
SUOJECT: (U) Siographic Report S.. DATE OF REPORT: 4 Jun 64
.MEISSNER ) Hans-Otto I 10. NO. OF PAGE3: 4011e-y •
1SC NUMLIf: 11. REFERENCES: DIRM I 7. A-B
DATE or ORM A T ION: Various 12. ORIGINATOR: .OUSARMA Bonn; Germany .
PLACE AND DATE OF ACQ: Bonn ) Various 13, PREPARED BY: 744 M.D,MOODY)IA
EVALUATION: •ouRce C INFORMATION ti 14. APPROVING AUTHORITY: SOURCEr Other US Agencies ) ARMA ? AARMA e T. of .Colonels GS • . Army Attache . . SUMMARY: (Leave Stank) Raj (U) Forwarded herewith is biographic report on Dr. Hans-Otto MEISSNER) RG Army Reserve. • ERMA
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NOTE: This document contains information • . . affecting the .nationtr? Of el 0 Cinitod State• within th•mC1.1.7 . n4 of the omplon000 • ?hi.. report, eonioins unplooissed CONFIDENTIAL In we, Title 18, U.S. t.7.. :; ec. 793 ond 794. Plane andlot:p011eleo Should noi be . evolved The transmission or i, v.wnintion 01 Its Pk IT" 4 .; DEIN 4 4 V ) 4 contents in any mGli.-1 C.. rt., unzatti,ortaed I 44.ii %.1 U • L. lc ••• i••9 • oe rood: a oci Spiery on the betas ol this roped... in pervon :.;•• !vs. (CI; nnd • Contth ? . , • • 7. , • •7 ,••.• cr••••••t••••••••sporanomosouri•en•••••inn...... REP° r •.• • . • 2. SUBJECT: (U.; "i.:;:nn:Air; Report O. — DAVE Cr 4 31.ila . 1.:1S3:1±11t; Hu.- z,to • 6; NO, PAor..,:• • ;.:as, 3. ReFar;:•,...... :cn, DIRMI 7 A-D
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.sarrariafOr,-.=!::: DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC RBPORT
CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS
CONFIDENTIAL CONFOENTML
PERSONAL BACKGROUND 47. EDUCATION Met schools, locations, courses, degrees, honors and mine s. dale.) . Public school in Dahlem (suburb of Berlin) finishing in 1929. Studied law and economics at the Universities of Heidelberg, Goettingen, Freiburg, Berlin and Lausanne. From 1929-30 undergraduate of Trinity College at Cambridge. Became Doctor of Law in 1934 at:. Goettingen.
I18. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY (include dialects and ability.. te•anelator/ interpreter) German native tongue. Fluent English, Trench, Italian and Spanish..
19. TRAVEL (list countries, dates, purpose and extent of) According to Dr. Meissner he has traveled.for.30. years all over the world, especially in the Far East, Central Africa, Australia, India, New Zealand,:the.Arctici . POlyfiesiaand• Alaska. He is overseas for 3 or 4 months every, year. •
0. MILITARY SERVICE Mlet2,:fci: eeiccLtrelitt,i=kLi errZer%)duties, where d, inclus ive dates, discharge dale, retired r •tatus, medals , Listed as an SS Hauptsturmfuehrer (Captain) assigned to Security Section. Awarded Honor 11:16 Sword. Now Army Reserve Captain. During Reserve duty he is attached to Military Attache Section in MOD. From Dr. Meissner: Served as 2d Lt in the 5th Panzer Regt; commanded a tank unit on the 4=1 Russian front; was decorated with the Iron Cross and other distinctions;. was severely wounded in the Panzer-battle of Kedainiai as 1st Lt returned to the Foreign Office. He thought, he would soon be promoted to Major in the Reserve. According to him he was ommia invited a year or so . ago by Col Bucksch, Chief of Attache Liaison Office, MOD, to renew his commission and to become the first trainee in an experimental program of training a group pf reserve. officers for mobilization assignments as military attaches. His next tour (his ! Last one lasted about 6 64) weeks around: 10 Apr will begin with about one week s orientation =mum In the Ministry followed by a several week tour at a foreign attache post which he hoped and seamed to be somewhat optimistic would he Washington, D.C. He said heholds the following security clearances: Cl I Nr 150 331-1 Aug 63 from German MOD which includes . NATO Confi- =Ps lential, NATO Secret and US Confidential. I. EMPLOYMENT OTHER THAN MILITARY SERVICE (list employers, locations, titlei, skills,,Incluelve date.) Prom Dr: Meissner: .After receiving his Doctor of Law in 1934, he served some time as Issistant judge at the Court of Werder but entered, the German Foreign Office in 1934 after )assing all three entrance examinations. From 1935,-36 he was 3d Secretary to the German !Imbaasy in London. Later 2d Secretary to Getman Embassy in Tokyo. Transferred in Mar 39 aur tgain to the German Embassy in London. Later (during the Hitler-Stalin honeymoon period) r. le was 2d Secretary to the German Embassy in Moscow. After recovery from wounds and his !eturn to the Foreign Office, he was promoted to 1st Secretary and-sent as.German Consul to Ilan. Later promoted to Consul I Class and as: .Acting Consul-General remained in Milan intil the end of the war.. "In 1950, the Republican Italian Government returned all- • Toperty, previously confiscated, to Dr. Meissner, tin recognition of :his unblemished con - Euct while acting as German Consul ."
t. CIVIL OR CRIMINAL RECORD lone known.
Ores-1396 - 1 .• •
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC REPORT
CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS
CONFIDENTIAL CONF1DENTIIAL Aloar.0.1.11■11•GInIne•Ort.r." • PERSONAL BACKGROUND
47. EDUC A :ctlank. coNrcrtr. rIn4rees, hrairrn srr; he:Naive Tien) Public schl In Dahlem (suburb of Berlin) finishing in 1929. Studied law and economics at the Ur.:-ities of Heidelberg, Goettinfien, Freiburg, Berlin and Lausanne. From 1929-30 undergrat .17 . Trinity College at Cambridge. Became Doctor of taw in 1934 at Goettingen.
IC. LANGUA ,7V , ,7,7■CIEWCY (include dialecta and ability es tranaletor/interpreter) Germ. tongue. .Fluent English, French, Italian and Spanish.
49. TRAVEL :;■. : covntr/oe. dots , purpose and extent el) According to Dr. Meissner he has trave1ed . for.30 years all over the world, especially in the Far ZZ.16ii, Central Africa, Australia, India, New Zealand $ .the Arctic, Polynesia and Alaska. He is overseas for 3 or 4 months every year.
50. MILITARY SERV:CE Cbr:liNg ;syr iviecT, cunitt.i rarstceszr zeitereautlen, where servod, Natalia. dates, discharge date, retired or reserve status, Listed as an SS Hauptsturmfuehrer (Captain) assigned to Security Section. Awarded Honor Sword. Now Army Reserve Captain. During Reserve duty he is attached to Military Attache Section in MOD. From Dr. ft,:1c.7,. aer: Served as 2d Lt in the 5th Panzer Regt; commanded a tank unit on the Russian front; was decorated with the Iron Cross and other distinctions; was severely wounded in the Panzer-battle of Kedainiai as 1st Lt returned to the Foreign Office. He thought he would soon be promoted to Major in the Reserve. According to him he was invited 6 yecr or so ago by CO1 Bucksch, Chief of Attache Liaison Office, MOD, to renew his commission and to become the first trainee in an experimental program of training a group of reserve officers for mobilization assignments as military attaches. His next tour (his last one lasted shout 6 weeks around.10 Apr 64) will begin with about one week s orientation in the Ministry followed by a several week tour at a foreign attache post which he hoped and seemed to be somewhat optimistic would be Washington, D.C. He said he holds the following r-euxity eicalznces; Cl I NI 150 331-1 Aug 63 from German MOD which includes NATO Confi- dential, NATO Secret and US Confidential. I. EMPLOYMENT i HER VI-IAN MILITARY SERVICE Met oznptoyore, location°, titles, shine, inclusive date.) From Dr. M-i:Inner: After receiving his Doctor of Law in 1934, he served some time as assistant :eidge at the Court of Werder but entered the German Foreign Office in 1934 after passing all three entrance examinations. From 193536 he was 3d Secretary to the German Embassy in London. Later 2d Secretary to German Embassy in Tokyo. Transferred in Mar 39 again to the German Embassy in London. Later (during the Hitler-Stalin honeymoon period) he was 2d Secretary to the German Embassy in Moscow. After recovery from wounds and his return to the Foreign Office, he was promoted to 1st Secretary and sentas German Consul to Milan. Later promoted to Consul I Class and as Acting Consul-General remained in Milan until the end of the war. "In 1950, the Republican Italian Government returned all property, previously confiscated, to Dr. Meissner, in recognition of his unblemished con- luct while acting as German ConsulI."
2. CIVIL OR CFII:J.INAL—RECORO :one. known,
COPTIDEVTIn- f! MIIMINIIIIIMMIMI••■••■•••••111..1•1111=1•1■11.11i,l, POrmi i•zr.„ , I NOV 01 1• /•••,- D.V11 et\ il ,- A •:" OF „).' FACES
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• DEPARTMENT OF!DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC REPORT CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS • NOTE: 7 his document containe information affecting the national defence of the United rms report contains .rproc•seed information. State. within the meaning of the espionage Plane and/or policies should not be evolved laws, Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 791 and 794. CONFIDENTIAL or best. tide report. The treneniteelon or the revelation of lie or atodified eolely eh. a contents in any tnermer to an unauthorised person la prohibited by law. tONFIDENTIAL I. COUNTRY 2. DATE OF INFORMATION 3. DATE OF REPORT . WEST GERMANY Various 3 Jun 64 1 . I I. FULL NAME (In natural order - capitalize •urnetne) Hans-Otto Gustav Adolf MEISSNER
. FULL NAME IN NATIVE ALPHABET/ TELECOOE Same VARIANTS, ALIASES OR NICKNAMES Unk ATTACH .PHOTOGRAPH:s '. PRESENT POSITION Writer Journalist .apoNoTrApLai: RANK/TITLE Captain (Reserve) E000 (Effective Date of Office) Unk SERVICE Army • • DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH 9. SEX 4 or 14 Jun 1909 in Strassbourg (Alsatia) 0. AOORESSIES) ô TELEPHONE NO. (Including unit location if applicable) Home - Widenmayerstrasse 50 :wow 13. PHOTO SUBMITTED OATE OF PHOTO Munich Phone 22 42 15 D YES ONO Mar 64 isam 14. CITIZENSHIP I 15. RELIGION cm, German Probably Protestant 16. TITLES AND HONORIFICS (Prince, Doctor, Pand1(, etc.) car Dr.jr. Consul 1st Cl (on call) 1611.11 I. NATIONALITY 12. RACE 17. MARITAL STATUS ummall German Caucasian IM MARRIED 0 SINGLE 0 DIVORCED 0 WIDOWED
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
18. ACTUAL 19. APPARENT 27. COLOR 28. BALD OR BALDING A 54 about 50 Dark brown No am_ 20. • SHAPE 21. COMPLEXION 29. HEIGHT 30. WEIGHT 3. 1. BUILD Round Fair, Nordic 0 Eat 53711 Est 180 Stocky heavy 1 22. BEARD OR MUSTACHE 23. TEETH 32. POSTURE 33. R OR L HANDED . No Appear normal Erect 24. PROMINENT OR UNUSUAL FEATURES (moles. :Pears) 34. PHYSICAL DEFECTS None noted None noted
35. GENERAL STATE OF HEALTH Overweight But youthful healthy 11./
25. COLOR 26. APPEARANCE 35. NERVOUS 37. HARD OF HEARING 38. GLASSES Unk Unk DYES YES E] NO I OYES NO 00e$S1Onall! SPOUSE FAMILY
FULL NAME OF SPOUSE 40. MAIDEN NAME Marianne Jacobs nee Mertens
DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH 42. NATIONALITY 43. RACE 44. RELIGION Cau5 May 1918 in Aachen German Unk
• DESCRIPTION (appearance, pens want?, education, languages, preference*, political view., attitude toward U.S., Influence on spouse) 22 s Nov 37 in Tokyo married Estelle DITTENBERGER,_born 26 Sep . 13 in Aigle, Switzerland. ivorced 9 Sep 49 by .Landgericht MUNICH. Report .states indication that. Meissner mas •. llegedly extorted by his former wife because he , allegedly obtained a verdict of "exonera - ion" in his denazification proceedings by presenting false documents.. On 28. Feb 51, , aissner charged in a police report filed in TEGERNSEE that Dittenberger had traveled to CHILDREN (names..iides, marital statue, other significant notes) aughter Andrea born 1943.
GROUP 3 Downgraded at 12 year intervals: Not automatically declassified.
CONFIDENTIAL
):4 14%21396 -1. CONFIDENTIAL PAGE OP frPAM S ^ ,
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC REPORT CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS NUTT: This document contains information effecting the fla(tery:1 defense of the United Thlo repast contains unprocessed information. States within the rel...nIng of the espionage Plans end/or potici.. Amid not be evolved laws, Title 18, Sec. 793 and 794. CONFIDENTIAL onthe boots of this report. The tranemle;lon or tho revelation of it armodifiedooloir • contents in nny rnon-n, to an unauthorised person Sc prohibit' t, • law. CONFIDENTIAL • COUNTRY 2. DATE OF INFORMATION 1, DATE OF REPORT WEST GEPT.? : VariouA 3 Jun 64 ------ • ! , LILL NAME ordor copltellz, ill/PM,1170) Hans-Otto Pdraf IEISSNER FULLNAm.I;: ALMIARET/ TELECODE Same • VARIANTS, N1%.:K/iAMES • Unk ATTACH PHOTOGRAPH • RRESLN r Writtio • niist (DO NOT 'STAPLE)
• of 011E4,0 Unk !.CRVIC. 2 Army
DATE AN O t - I 9. SEX 4 or 14 jiu) 1909 in Strassbourg M (Alsatia)
I. AL) .;...01P1-1014E. NO. (Including unit location if applicable) Home - l i..:.cccaayerstrasse 50 13. PHOTO SUPMITTED DATE OF PHOTO
Pho . )o 22 42 15 EA YE.; El NO Mar 64 14. CITIZENSHIP 15. RELIGION
German • Probably Protestant 16. TITLES AND HONORIFICS (Prince, Doctor, Pandi(, etc.) Dr.jr. Consul 1st Cl (on call)
. NATIONALITY 12. RACE 17. MARITAL STATUS German Caucasian gl MARRIED DSINGLE EDIVORCED DWIDOWED
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION 10. ACTUAL 19. APPARENT 27. COLOR 29. BALD OR BALDING A 54 about 50 Dark brown No 20. SHAPE . p21. COMPLEXION 29. HEIGHT 30. WEIGHT 31. BUILD Round Fair, Nordic 0 Est 5t7" Est 180 Stocky heavy 22. DEARD OR P, UsTACHE 23. TEETH 0 32. POSTURE 33. R OR L HANDED . No Appear normal Erect 24. PRO:t411,7r:A I Dr: LIHUSUAL FEATURES (moles, scars) 34. PHYSICAL DEFECTS Nono noted None noted
5. GENERAL STATE OF HEALTH Overweight But youthful healthy
Zs. COLON 26. APPEARANCE 36. NERVOUS 37. HARD OF HEARING 38. GLASSES Unk Unk El YES NO YES . NO CD YES El NO occasions:Li • SPOUSE - FAMILY FULL NAME OF SPOUSE 40. MAIDEN NAME Marianne Jac.obs nee Mertens
DATE AND, PLACE OF E31TH 42. NATIONALITY 43. RACE 44. RELIGION Cau5 May 191P in .Aachen German Unk
DESCRIPTIO■ . personality, education, languoace, proteronces, political views, attitude toward U.S., influence on spouse) n 22 Nov 37 in Tokyo married Estelle DITTENBERGER; born 26 Sep 13 in Aigle, Switzerland. ivorced 9 . Sep 49 by Landgericht MUNICH. Report states indication that Meissner was Ilegedly e7.torted by his former wife because he allegedly obtained a verdict of "exonera- ion" in his denazification proceedings by presenting false documents. On 28 Feb 51, aiasner charged in n police report filed in TEGERNSEE that Dittenberger had traveled to
CHILDREN (s et WOO,. ngeo, rra:lics; tetue, other •lanificant note.) lughi r Andrea born. 1943.
GlIOTJP 3 D....)-.1mgraded at 12 year inicritals: 1 declassified..
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC REPORT CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS
CONFIDENTIAL CONFOENTIAL • MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS (prcth poomat, aocIel, peRked, military, mliglam, other) roined.NSDAP Dec 1936 with Nr 3762629. Substantial k.ecorda include NSDAP,appiications dgned in Dec 1935. rom AARMA: Dr Meissner stated he did become a late member of the NAZI party as did most there in his position. . ACQUAINTANCES. RELATIVES OR ANCESTORS (name, position. nature of telatiot.tehip, domicile and influence on subject) rom Dr: Meissner: Only son of Capt (R) Dr. Otto MEISSNER, Kaiserl. Regierungsrat . to the tate Railways and his wife, Hildegard. In 1919 the family transferred their residence to (OLIN. Dr. Otto. MEISSNER subsequently became Permanent Secretary-of-State in .BERLIN and sad of the Presidential Chancery. Later he received in the same capacity the rank of • eich Minister. He remained head of this office for 25 years, a hitherto unbroken record,. e was one of the few defendents in the Nuremburg trialp who has been acquitted with full onors..
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CHARACTER I PERSONALITY
PERSONALITY TRAITS (include character, •trength and weaknees, intellitienee, loyalty, Judgment, leadership ability, Influenced by others) eseribed as being intelligent and a smooth talker.
rom ARMA: An excellent speaker and raconteur. Enthusiastic in discussing experiences.
ATTITUDES (ideological. political, including attitude toward U.S. end other countries) :ring CIC interrogation, date not indidated, he made an unfavorable impression and in the )inion of the interrogator could not be trusted for any future work, not further clarified. 3 Jul 51 MEISSNER. applied fora passport, destination not indicated, at the Pass Offide PaESBACH. His stated purpose was to write foreign correipondence, not further clarified. t 23 Jul 51 technical coverage of MEISSNER s mail, was instituted. Files reveal voluminous tereepts which are not translated into English. Additional information obtained from the ent s Opinion portion of a report dated 1 Aug 51 indicates that it was evident, due to aSSNER s diplomatic background and foreign service, plus his intelligence and training, at he was capable of performing intelligence missions. He had many contacts in foreign untries and Germany that would have been of great value to him. Further, MEISSNER had ny travel opportunities. It was known that he had publicly expressed his opinion that the EPUTATION AND COMPETENCE (include financial status) om Dr. Meissner: Owns a country house in the Bavarian Ales and a hunting lodge with me reserve (9000 acres) in the Tyrol. am ARM: Very able and successful writer, mostly of his wn experiences. Recently blished a book an his experiences during a stay in ALASKA. On his last visit to ALASKA REFERENCES On food, drink, tobacco, hobbiee, entertainment, etc. What tactic are most likely to succeed with •ubJectP) Dm Dr.. Meissner: "As a passionate.big-game hunter l he may probably bp the most . . . 3cessfu3. hunter of his country, owningeeveral,firat and second world records. He. shot Alaska the record grizzly of 1961."
• 41 . A mi ARMA: Writing seems to be both profession and hobby. Smokes ldrink in moderation.
:RSONAL APPEARANCE , (dleos; habita,.Tortn6tletno, ecOonerIcIttoo,"pecullarltrol:ep!sels et Olt) esant appearing; nothing striking, middle-aged, average business-man. Usually has a mkie in his eyeei.: Dresses in casual, almost careless, styleboth,.civilianane itary.
)ITIONAL COMMENT Meissner told ARMA he hadn t been in Indonesia since 1956, but he thinks SUKARNO the: ; dangerous of men to world peace.
CONFIDENTIAL iF,141.4sa 1396-1 ONFIDENTIAL • 11.1.1.1••■•■••■••••gr
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOGRAPHIC REPORT
CLASSIFICATION AND CONTROL MARKINGS
CONFIDENTIAL 1 •CONEIDENTIAL I • I
I. MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS rixotes•lonst, socini, political, military, rellalooe, newt) Jojned MSDAr fi - c: 1936 with Nr 3762629. Substantial;recordli include NSDAP applications iigned in Dec 1535.
rom AARMA: 1),bisener stated he did become a late member of the NAZI party as did most )thers in !-df. oosition- . • .
• ACQUAl}r7 Pc.. `,.:ELATIVZ.; ,_1R ANCESTORS (ream°, position, nature of relationanin, domicile and infloonc° on °object) • ?rom .:LCJiA:2:r: On).y son of Capt (R) Dr. Otto MISSNER, Kaiserl. Regierungsrat to the ;tatoRaJr,nd. his wife, Hildegard. In 1919 the family transferred their residence to 3ERLIN. Otto. MEISSNER subsequently became Permanent Secretary-of-State in BERLIN and lead of tilt: ... ;-idential Chancery. Later he received in the same capacity the rank of teich Be remained head of this office for 25 years, a hitherto unbroken record. te was oi -the few defendents in the Nuremburg trials who has been acquitted with full ionors.
CHARACTER I PERSONALITY
PENZ;oNALI .,- y I T.:: tinctuee character, •(rength and weakness, intelligence,. loyalty, judgment, leadership ability, influenced by others) lescribecl am being intelligent and a smooth talker.
Y om ARMA: An excellent speaker and raconteur. Enthusiastic in discussing experiences.
ATTITUDES (ld.o10,2icel, potitical, including attitude toward U.S. and other countrisa) uring CIC interrogation, date not indicated, he made an unfavorable impression and in the p inion of the interrogator could not be trusted for any future work, not further clarified. a 3 Jul 51. MEIsSNER applied for a passport, destination not indicated, at the Pass Office a MIESBACH. His stated purpose was to write foreign correspondence, not further clarified. a 23 Jul 51 technical coverage of MEISSNER t s mail was instituted. Files reveal voluminous rtercepts which are not translated into English. Additional information obtained from the ;ent i s Opinion portion of a report dated 1 Aug 51 indicates that it was evident, due to USSNER I s diplomatic background and foreign service, plus his intelligence and training, lat he was capable of performing intelligence missions. He had many contacts in foreign luntries rind Germany that would have been of great value to him. Further, MEISSNER had ny travol opportunities. It was known that he had publicly expressed his opinion that the tEPUTATION ANO COMPETENCE (Include financial atatuo) .om Dr. Mc;Lzoner: Owns . a country house in the Bavarian AlRs and a hunting lodge with me reserve (9000 acres) in the Tyrol. cm ARMA: 1/ry able and successful Writer, mostly of his own experiences. Recently blished a book on his experiences during a stay in ALASKA. On his last visit to ALASKA RE F E R EN C 17.S On (ood, drink, tobacco, hobble., entertainment, etc. What tactic. are most likely to •ucceed with •ubject?) om Dr. Meissner: "As a passionate.big-game hunter, he may probably bp the most ccessful hunter of his country, owning several first and second world records. He shot Alaska the record grizzly of 1961."
mn ARYA: Writing seems to be both profession and hobby. Smokes and drinks in moderation.
F.R1;c/NAL APPL ARANCE (dreae, habits, asanntorlema, eccentricities, peculiarity of apeech or gait) From ARMA• !asant app qaring; nothing striking; middle-aged, average business-man. Usually has a .nkle in his eyes: Dresses in casual, almost careless, style - both civilian and itary.
.iir-16■4 AL E01,./.fl.rJ1 ARMA he hadn q been in Indonesia since 1956, but he thinks SUNARNO the dange;.-o men to Tiorld peace.
COYTIDF.IITIAL 7\77:ryn.ndl. ;PAarg !., . ..; •
L ItE" .EICGRPHIC. REPORT REPORT N O. MEISSICERHanSgteto CONTINUATION SHEET CONFIDENTIAL PAGE , 4. PAGES ORIGINATOR CONRDENTIAL OUSARMA Bonn, GerMany (Claaalf Icarian and Control Afartfings) ((..cdve Mara). 45. Pescription (of wife)(Contd) MILAN sometime in 1950 and picked up four boxes of Meissner s personal belongings.- These belongings were stored in the home of Count Dr. Gian Citterio, residing at • MILAN, Via Brero 12, not further identified.
In 2949, exact date not indicated, Meissner began to consort with Marianne JACOBS nee MERTENS, born 5 May 1918 in Aachen. Jacobs was hired as his secretary . and subsequently became his mistress. An interview of Gertrud GRUPP nee FINUS, born 5 Oct 1902 in ESSLINGEN, residing at ESSLINGEN, Ebershaldestraspe 15, JACOBSt former landlady, revealed that JACOBS worked for an unidentified American organiza- tion in ESSLINGEN in . 1947 and later worked for the Red Cross in NELLINGEN. GRUPP ! stated that JACOBS did not enjoy a good reputation in ESSLINGEN. She was known as; a promiscuous woman who had many men friends ., including several AmeriCans.
After becoming journalist and author, Meissner obtained a Mercedes automobile and he and JACOBS made frequent and long trips to unknown destinatiOns. Meissner was issued a Military Exit Permit to Italy on 14.Sep 50. He s was to remain . in Italy for 1 or 2 months.
Dr. Meissner wrote the following in May 64: "Mrs Meissner is also a writer, under the pen-name MARIANNE MERTENS. Her first book DES WAIDMANNS WEIB (THE HUNTER S COMPANION) was a bestseller with seven editions in 2 years. She just published MEN MUST HAVE HOBBIES.
51. Employment Other Than Military Service (Contd) From other reports: Meissner became a member of the Ferman Foreign Office in Berlin in 1933. In 1935 sent to the German Foreign Office in London as an Attache; from 1936-38 an attache in Tokyo; 1939 returned to London as an attache and remained there until the outbreak of WWII when he returned to Berlin. In Mar 40 he went to German Foreign Office in MOSCOW. In Dec 41 appointed German Consul to Italy and stationed in Milan. It was believed that he was promoted in his diplomatic career only because of his Nazi Party membership.
From Dr. Meissner: Since the Foreign Office was dissolved after the war, he had t change his profession and chose writing. First book MAN BENIMMT SIGH WIEDER was published in 1950. Many followed. They have been translated into several languages and films have been made of some. The most popular was DER FALL SORGE (in USA England MAN WITH THREE FACES). Writes regularly for several daily newspapers and a few weeklies. Contributes to illustrated magazines and has written many articles on his travels, big-game hunting, zoological subjects and etiquette.
From other reports: Meissner moved to NEUHAUS, Kameter-Biehl 4, from STUTTGART on 6 Dec 48. He was not very active in-4he business world or socially after his arrival in NEUHAUS. He lived in .a small house trailer located on his fathers estate. During 1949 he attempted to found a chicken raising business but had no success.. 1950 he became interested in writing and allegedly wrote a book containing the memoirs of his father and also he wrote articles about his experiences, not further clarified, in Japan and his knowledge of Korea for the illustrated weekly Revue published in Munich. About this time Meissner apparently was corresponding with Dr. KLAUS aka Clays aka Major HUEGEL aka Hubner aka Huessel aka Heiler, born 30 Jan 12 in FREIBURG, residing at FELLBACH/STUTTGABT, Robert Koch Strasse 13. HUEGEL was a former SS Sturmbannfuehrer (Major) in charge of the STUTTGART Security. Service during WWII. It is indicated that HUEGEL was the security expert on foreign intelligence. In 1951 HUEGEL was suspected of having been a high level SIS agent. However, files reveal that investigation of HUEGEL failed to substantiate this. It is indicated that on 5 Jun 51 HUEGEL received a letter from MEISSNER in which it was indicated that MEISSNER had just returned from SARDENIA and was anxious to make contact with HUEGEL. MEISSNER indicated that HUEGEL and his friend, not further identified, should come to NEUHAUS which Was safer, or wait for MEISSNER to come to STUTTGART. Information dated 6 Nov 52 indicates that MEISSNER was residing at MUNICH, Widenmayerstr 58 but this residence had not been reported to the polibs MEISSNER. tOtfr11140*: Sia,0110?\41 1:,,t1P@Vif ..BIOGRAPHIC REPORT REPORT NO. MEISSNER, Hans-Otto 5 PAGES CONTINUATION SHEET . CONFIDENTIAL PAGE . 4 or GGIG:NATOR x. t.4711,4[1.)All. OUSARMA Bonn, Germany C(CIPIIINIJ:anrilContED roih (1-.Ave !Monk; 45. on (of wife)(Contd) MILAN comete in 1950 and picked up four boxes of Mei:ler:sr : 8 persoml belongings. These .be nss were stored in the home of Count Dr. Gian Citterio, residing at MILAN, Via Prero 12, not further identified.
In 19/,9, exact date not indicated, Meissner began to consort with Marianne JACOPS ,, iRTENS, born 5 May 1918 in Aachen. Jacobs was hired as his secretary and ab uon1y became his mistress. An interview of Gertrud GRUPP nee FINUS, born 5 (k:T. 1902 in ESSLINGEN, residing at ESSLINGEN, Ebershaldestrasse 15, JACOBS former ln.11dy, revealed that JACOBS worked for an unidentified American organiza- tion in ;NGEN in 1947 and later worked for the Red Cross in NELLINGEN. GRUPP ..6ated tat JACOBS did not enjoy a good reputation in ESSLINGEN. She was known as a promisi:uo woman who had many men friends, including several Americans.
Aft,-r bcomIng journalist and author, Meissner obtained a Mercedes automobile and he and JACOBS made frequent and long tripe to unknown destinations. Meissner was issued a Military Exit Permit to Italy on 14 Sep 50. He was to remain in Italy Zor 7 2 months. Qat Dr. Moissner wrote the following in May 64: "Ws Meissner is also a writer, 4=i ; under the IDn -name MARIANNE MERTENS. Her first book DES WAIDMANNS WEIB (THE CZ) HUNTER S COMPANION) was a bestseller with seven editions in 2 years. She just published MEN MUST HAVE HOBBIES. mow§ 51. Employment Other Than Military Service (Contd) From other Teports: Meissner became a member of the Ferman Foreign Office in Berlin in 1933. In 1935 sent to the German Foreign Office in London as an Attache; from 1936- .58 an attache in Tokyo; 1939 returned to London. as an attache and • remained there until the outbreak of WWII when he returned to Berlin. In Mar 40 he went to barman Foreign Office in Moscow. In Dec 41 appointed German Consul to Italy and stationed in Milan. It was believed that he was promoted in his diplomatic career only because of his Nazi Party membership.
From Dr. Meissner: Since the Foreign Office was dissolved after the war, he had to Dom= change his profession and chose writing. First book MAN BENINNT SIGH WIEDER was published In 1950. Many followed. They have been translated into several languages and films have been made of some. The most popular was DER FALL SORGE (in USA England MAN WITH THREE FACES). Writes regularly for several daily newspapers and a few wePkliPs. Contributes to illustrated magazines and has written many articles on his travels, big-game hunting, zoological subjects and etiquette.
From other reports: Meissner moved to NEUHAUS, Kameter-Biehl 4, from STUTTGART on 6 Dec 48. He was not very active in-he business world or socially after his arrival in NEUHAUS. He lived in a small house trailer located on his father s estate. During 1949 he attempted to found a chicken raising business but had no success.. 1950 he became interested in writing and allegedly wrote a book containing the memoirs of his father and also he wrote articles about his experiences, not further clarified, in Japan and his knowledge of Korea for the illustrated weekly Revue published in Minich. About this time Meissner apparently was corresponding with Dr. KLAUS aka Claus aka Major HUEGEL aka Hubner aka Huessel aka Heiler, born 30 Jan 12 in FREIBURG, residing at FELLBACH/STUTTGART, Robert Koch Strasse 13. HUEGEL Wtli a former SS Sturmbannfuehrer (Major) in charge of the STUTTGART Security Service during WWII. It is indicated that HUEGEL was the security expert on foreign intelligence. In 1951 HUEGEL was suspected of having been a high level SIS agent. However, files reveal that investigation of HUEGEL failed to substantiate this. It is indicated that on 5 Jun 51 HUEGEL received a letter from MEISSNER in which it was indicated that MEISSNER had just returned from SARDENIA and was anxious to make contact with HUEGEL. MEISSNER indicated that HUEGEL and his friend, not further identified, should come to NEUHAUS which was safer, or wait for MEISSNER to come to STUTTGART. Information dated 6 Nov 52 indicates that MEISSNER was residing at "IUNTGR, Widanmayeratr 58 but this residence had not been reported to the pollee by
CWIDZITTIn
" r ^47 P ..... •- L • mAil 3IOGR4PHIC.:REPORT REPORT NO. MEISSNER, : Hans -Otto CONTINUATION SHEET CONFIDENTIAL PAGE 5 ,. OF 5- PAGES MUG:N*1VA OUSARMA ..Bonn, Germany Cn catIon and Cannot Markin a) (L eave flank) 54. Acquaintances. Relatives or Ancestors (Contd) From AARNA: Dr. Otto Leberecht MEISSNER.for many years was State Secretary of the President of the Weimar Republic (both for EBERT and HINDENBURG) and continued in . this position . during the Third Reich. His father somehow managed never,tojoin. the NAZI party and was acquitted at Nuremburg. Despite this, from comments made by Dr. MEISSNER, it is believed that his father remained somewhat embittered over his trail and long confinement which preceded it._ • He died around 1950. Dr ... MEISSNkR. told ARMA that his father and former Chanceller ADENAUER had a difference • of . . opinion for which ADENAUER never forgave his father. .
From other sources: The father, Dr. Otto LabereCht MEISSNER, born 13 Mat 1880 in BISCHWEILER, was the former Secretary of State during the Hitler regime.
MEISSNER maintained close contacts with his cpmrades of internment camp HOEHN ASPERG, not further identified, where a certain national-socialist "elite" had been interned.
56. Attitudes (Contd) German people, in particular the NAZIS, were not treated fairly by the Americans. In view, of the above, it was felt that MEISSNER was at least a prospect for recruit- ment by SIS. Information dated 17 Sap 51 indicates that an investigation was Initiated on MEISSNER to determine whether his activities, associates or contacts indicated that he was engaged in espionage or other illegal activity on behalf of SIS. Technical coverage of MEISSNER revealed that he was rapidly rising, • not • • . further clarified, in the journalistic world. He was in contact with many publish. ing firms and their representatives in Germany, .Portugal, and Italy. It is further indicated that investigation and intercepts did not indicate that MEISSNER/s activities were of an intelligence nature. Information on file dated Sep 51 irdicates that MEISSNER received DM 1,000 per month from the magazine Revue. He had recently traveled to Italy on behalf of Revue for.the.purpose of visiting MUS- SOLINI t s widow. It is further indicated that his political views were highly nationalistic. He was considered a nationalist propagandist and the "showpiece" of Revue. He was making all possible efforts to.. get the Bonn Foreign Office, not further identified, and was apparently receiving assistance from a third party,snot further identified.. Revue was said to be the . "pay office" for certain nationalistic circles, not further identified. Information dated 14 Nov 52 received from the Foreign Service of the USA indicates that the Bavarian Landesamt fuer VerfassumisschAtz (State Office for the Defense of the Constitution - similar to FBI) had information I in .their files pertaining to the postwar activities of MEISSNER. rtis further indicated that MEISSNER appeared to possess radical political tendencies and was attempting to obtain a position with the West German Foreign Service. On 11 Jan 63 MEISSNER was the subject of a request-or a CR, check submitted by the Australian, Embassy . Migration Office, Cologne.
From ARM: MEISSNER was interned by the US after. war and is frequently critical, if not somewhat bitter yet, over, his treatment and lOng confinement.• During his last tour of reserve duty (Mar-Apr64)-in BONNOSISSNER seethed-to devote his effort toward .cultivating American. Attaches as well as the.Canadian Attache.
57, Reputation and Competence (Contd) MEISSNER apparently Visited one or more , DEWjine:atatiOnSi. and,le,tharWell: aeek:. such an opportunity again. He plans to:travel :.WALASKA:laterthisY047. via the Alcan.Highway (see ;eat ARMA Comment under 56),H: ' • .•, • • •
60. Additional- Comment .(Contd)
. . ARMA: • Dr Meissner is potentially of considerable:Use -tOlthe:USendtOthe-WArthed. . . , . . :. Forces but on the other hand his background and his motives mAY:notbef.COMPleteltj. above suspicion.
Note: • Unless the source of information is specifically stated it fie::t4 ISA4UFL Central Registry, APO 154.
CONFIDENTIAL
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riji 6j: .k4Lt •4\ siti1©IK41 .BIOGRAPHIC REPORT • REPORT P40. MEISSNER, Hans-Otto CONTINUATION. SHEET CONFIDENTIAL PAGE. 5 . OF 5 PAGES OMGNATOR . OUSARMA:Bonn, Germany ficatin n and Canby, Alaelingal ; YIRMSZAWINIrtrIVC-5 • 4,,ORIMINIMMOTWIVIW-r• • ••■• ".."14.71T • 1t.CIVO Monk 54. Acoleeintences, Relatives or Ancestors (Contd) From AARMA: D ,7. Otto Leberecht MEISSNER for many years was State Secretary. of the President; of the. Weimar Republic (both for EBERT and HINDENBURG) and continued in , this position during the Third Reich. His father somehow managed never to , join : the NAZI party and was acquitted at Nuremburg. Despite this, from comments made by Dr. MEISSNER,it le believed that his father remained somewhat embittered over his :trail and long confinement which preceded it. He died around 1950. .Dr: . MEISSNER told ARMA that his father and former Chenceller ADENAUER had a difference of • opinion for which ADENAUER never forgave his father. .
From other eeurces: The father, Dr. Otto Leberecht MEISSNER, born 13 Mar 1880 in .BISCHWEIUe., was the former Secretary, of State during the Hitler regime.
MEISSNER maintained close contacts with his cpmrades of internment camp HOEHN ASPERG, not further identified, where a certain national-socialist "elite" had been interned. -
•
56. Atmt,1A6e3 (contd) „ • German people, in particular the NAZIS, were not treated fairly by the Americans.. In view of the above, it was felt that MEISSNER was at least . a prospect for recruit- ment by SIS. Information dated 17 Sep 51 indicates that an investigation was • initiated on MEISSNER to determine whether his activities, associates or contacts indicated that he was engaged in espionage or other illegal activity on behalf of SIS. Technical coverage of MEISSNER revealed that he was rapidly rising, not, . P Mtv further clarified, in the journalistic world. He was in contact with many publish- ;my ing firms and their representatives in Germany, Portugal, and Italy. "It is further MICCOVII indicated that investigation and intercepts did not indicate that MEISSNERIs activitiss were of an intelligence nature. Information on file dated Sep_51 reamta irdicates that MEISSNER received DM 1,000 per month from the magazine Revue. . He eamighe had recently traveled to Italy on behalf of Revue for the purpose of visiting MUS- 0L. SOLINI : 8 widow. It is further indicated that his political views were highly nationalistic. He was considered a nationalist propagandist and the "showpiece" of NM= Revue. He was making all possible efforts to get in the Bonn Foreign Office, not further identified, and was apparently receiving assistance from a.third party, not further identified. Revue was said to be the "pay office" for certain nationalistic circles, not further identified. Information dated 14 Nov 52 received from the Foreign Service of the USA indicates that the Bavarian Landesamt fuer Verfassungsschaz (State Office for the Defense of the Constitution - similar to FBI) had information in their files pertaining to the postwar activities of MEISSNER. It is further . indicated that MEISSNER appeared to possess radical political tendencies and was attempting to obtain a position with the West German Foreign Service. On 11 Jan 63 MEISSNER was the subject of a reques or a CR check submitted by the Australian • Embassy Nigration Office, Cologne..
From ARRA: MEISSNER was interned by the US after the war and is frequently :sritical, if not somewhat bitter yet, over, his treatment and long confinement. )uring his last tour:of reserve duty (Mar-Apr 64). in BONN, MEISSNER seemed to ievote his effort toward cultivating American Attaches as well as the Canadian: Ittache.
57. Rceutntion and Competence (Contd) 4EISSNER apparently visited one or more DEW line stations, and he may well seek such an opportunity again. He plans to travel to ALASKA later this year via the Lican Highway (see last ARMA Comment under 56).
60. Additions]. Comment (Contd)
_RMA: Dr Meissner is potentially of considerable .use to the US and to the US,Armed wees. but on the other hand his background and his motives may not be completely hove suepicion.
rote: Unless the oce.ece of information is specifically stated, ibis the USAREUR entral Regiotry, AT 154. ter gerireetecneme•ver=7.erreeceanzaemezergeteereswIttetz,..nreel
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