OSS - CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE/LETTERS CONCERNING ARMAND HAMMER/REPORT ON GERMAN VESSELS IN THE PORT OF BREST, 1941
Declassified Document
Document Type: CREST
Collection: OSS Collection
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP13X00001R000100200001-1
Release Decision: RIFPUB
Original Classification: K
Document Page Count: 55
Document Creation Date: November 3, 2016
Document Release Date: September 18, 2013
Sequence Number: 1
Case Number:
Publication Date: September 10, 1941
Content Type: LETTER
Summary
The provided text is a compilation of various declassified documents, primarily correspondence and memoranda, dated between 1941 and 1942, related to intelligence activities and personnel during World War II. These documents were approved for release by the CIA on September 18, 2013. Due to the illegible sections and fragmented nature of the text, the summary focuses on the coherent and legible portions, which include letters, memoranda, and reports involving key figures in intelligence and government roles. The content reflects wartime efforts, including personnel recruitment, investigations of suspicious individuals, and logistical arrangements, often coordinated by William J. Donovan, the Coordinator of Information, a precursor to the CIA.
Correspondence Involving Wolfgang Hallgarten:
A letter from an unknown sender thanks Wolfgang Hallgarten for a document and mentions forwarding it to the CIA State Department for attention, signed by William J. Donovan. Another letter from John Anderson to Donovan forwards a letter from Hallgarten (dated August 7, 1941), expressing gratitude for interest in his mother’s situation and discussing broader geopolitical concerns, including immigration and European stability.
Jane Hardt’s Application:
Jane Hardt, a 35-year-old U.S. citizen, writes to George S. Leisure on January 7, 1942, seeking a research position under Donovan’s Office of the Coordinator of Information. She details her qualifications, including fluency in French and Spanish, a reading knowledge of German and Italian, and extensive experience as a research worker and bibliographer at the Newberry Library in Chicago. She also mentions recent studies in Mexico and attaches a detailed resume.
Memorandum on John A. Hastings:
A memo dated December 22, 1941, from Walter Berry to Donovan provides a background check on John A. Hastings, a former New York State Senator (1923–1932). It describes him as having a questionable reputation, including associations with shady figures like Jimmy Walker and involvement in scandals (e.g., Equitable Bus Scandal). He was last known to be in Mexico, possibly involved in oil investment schemes.
Report on Hans Hahnaw:
A report forwarded by Donovan to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover details suspicions about Hans Hahnaw, a photographer at the Cromwell Hotel in Miami Beach. Hahnaw, claiming to be a Viennese refugee, was observed taking photographs of the water front, raising suspicions in Everglades City. His contacts with German-speaking individuals from South America and New York, along with his financial inconsistencies, suggest possible espionage activities. Agnes Steinick, a hotel hostess, is mentioned as potentially being used as a cover.
Telegrams and Letters Involving Logistics and Meetings:
A telegram from Newcomb Carlton (September 10, 1941) arranges a meeting with Donovan on September 11. Correspondence from Armand Hammer (Hammer Galleries) to Donovan (September 18, 1941) discusses a ship purchase for Egypt, facilitated through General Motors, and thanks Donovan for his assistance. A letter from Donovan to Rear Admiral Emory S. Land introduces Dr. Armand Hammer, emphasizing support for Egypt’s King.
Miscellaneous Notes:
Additional fragments include a note about an interview on January 23, 1942, referred to Miss Frankfurter and Mr. Dillon, and logistical details about shipping a boat, possibly related to Hammer’s efforts.
The documents collectively illustrate early WWII intelligence efforts, including vetting personnel, investigating potential threats, and coordinating strategic support, all under Donovan’s oversight as Coordinator of Information.
Names
Below is a comprehensive list of all identifiable names mentioned in the legible portions of the document:
Wolfgang Hallgarten - Sender of a letter, associated with Berkeley, California (2905 Dwight Way).
William J. Donovan - Coordinator of Information, recipient/sender of multiple letters and memoranda.
John Anderson - Addressee of Hallgarten’s letter, forwards it to Donovan.
Jane Hardt - Applicant for a research position, from Port Chester, New York.
George S. Leisure - Recipient of Hardt’s letter, based in New York.
Charles Cambrell - Mentioned by Hardt as having referred her to Leisure.
Constance Warren - Contact in Hyattsville, Maryland, for Hardt’s temporary address.
John A. Hastings - Subject of a background memo, former New York State Senator.
Walter Berry - Author of the Hastings memo.
Owen McGivern - Source of information on Hastings, quoted by Berry.
Jimmy Walker - Former associate of Hastings, mentioned in the memo.
Block - Publisher linked to Hastings in the Seabury investigation.
J. Edgar Hoover - FBI Director, recipient of Donovan’s letter about Hans Hahnaw.
Hans Hahnaw - Photographer suspected of espionage, based at the Cromwell Hotel, Miami Beach.
Agnes Steinick - Hostess at Cromwell Hotel, possibly used as a cover by Hahnaw.
Newcomb Carlton - Sender of a telegram to Donovan, Chairman of Western Union.
Beardsley Ruml - Mentioned in Carlton’s telegram as arranging the meeting.
Armand Hammer - President of Hammer Galleries, involved in ship purchase for Egypt.
Emory S. Land - Rear Admiral, Chairman of the Maritime Commission, recipient of Donovan’s letter.
Early - Interviewer mentioned in a brief note (January 23, 1942).
Miss Frankfurter - Referred to in the same note, possibly a contact or official.
Mr. Dillon - Also mentioned in the note, likely an official or interviewer.
James O. Magee - Suggested as an expert supervisor in Hallgarten’s letter (context unclear due to illegibility).
Note: Some names (e.g., “Magee”) are tentatively included based on partial legibility and context. Illegible sections may contain additional names not listed here.
