Ambassador to U. S.

From the Wilhelmstrasse (German Foreign Office) came the news that Baron Ago von Maltzan was appointed German Ambassador to the U. S. in place of Dr. Otto Wiedfeldt who is retiring to resume important duties in the firm of Krupps.

Owing to the Cabinet crisis, the new Ambassador is not expected to take up his duties until next February. After the announcement of his appointment, the Baron stated to U. S. journalists:

"When I arrive in your beautiful country, I shall not fail to tell your countrymen that, owing to America's cooperation, Germany, on the basis of the Dawes Plan, has started on the road to economic recovery and healthier conditions.

"I shall take up the task awaiting me in the spirit of having for my aim the carrying out of the Dawes Plan."

Baron von Maltzan, an Under Secretary at the Foreign Ministry, is aged 47. Born at Mecklenburg, educated at the Universities of Bonn and Breslau, the Baron first thought of carving out a career for himself as a soldier of the Kaiser. On second thought, he decided to become a diplomat; and, after having risen to the heights of a first lieutenancy, he left the Army shortly before breaking into the third decade of his life.

As a diplomat, he saw service at Rio de Janeiro, Christiania, St. Petersburg (now Leningrad), Peking. At the latter place, he met Edith Gruson, daughter of a wealthy Magdeburg steel manufacturer, married her. They have one daughter. The Baroness is reputed to be one of Berlin's most popular hostesses and to be well known by the U. S. colony.

At Peking, the Baron stayed until the War broke out, when he returned to his Fatherland and "served faithfully." After the War, he was chosen by Chancellor Wirth and Foreign Minister Rathenau to accompany them to Genoa where, largely owing to his knowledge of Russia, he was most influential in negotiating the famous Russo-German Treaty of Rapallo in 1922.

Commenting upon his appointment, the Liberal Vossische Zeitung called him "the ablest diplomat which Germany has at her disposal." Said the Catholic Germania : "His familiarity with Germany's foreign policy renders him eminently suited to the Washington post."