Anti-Nazi circles were jubilant today over Germany’s decision, announced to the State department yesterday by Ambassador Hans Dieckhoff, to withdraw from the 1939 New York world’s Fair, at which it was to have occupied 100,000 square feet.
Although the German envoy cited financial difficulties as motivating his Government’s decision, it was believed here that mayor LaGuardia’s vigorously expressed anti-Nazi attitude, coupled with refusal of the United States to sell helium gas to Germany without a guarantee that it would not be used for military purposes, played important roles. According to Dr. Dieckhoff, Germany would have encountered many difficulties in arranging for foreign exchange with which to finance construction of her exhibit.
Grover Whalen, president of the Fair corporation, voiced regret at the decision but said the space relinquished by Germany would be used to good advantage by several countries hitherto unable to get accommodation.
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