Gottsched

With the assistance of Harte, Gottsched improved relations with both the War Ministry and Ambassador Sharp's staff and obtained greater access to prison facilities.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

Gottsched was well received by the Ministry of War because of his strong French sympathies, although he proved his ability to work with the German POWs.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

Because of his French sympathies, the French Ministry of War approved Gottsched's appointment to work with Central Power prisoners of war and Gottsched developed a strong working relationship with the United States embassy staff.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

Pastor W. Gottsched, who responded to Sautter's telegram, considered the call a "divine commission."

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

Gottsched returned to Geneva where he became the first editor of The Messenger to Prisoners of War, a World's Alliance newspaper designed for war prisoners.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

The World's Alliance sent Gottsched to Paris in March 1915, initially tasked with sending parcels to POW's.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

The World's Alliance appointed W. Gottsched as the new editor, under the direction of Dr.F. Louis Perrot.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

He replaced W. Gottsched as the editor of The Messenger to Prisoners of War, a World's Alliance monthly journal for prisoners of war across Europe.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

Ernst Sartorius later replaced Gottsched as the newspaper editor.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008

A Swiss pastor, Reverend Gottsched responded to Emmanuel Sautter's call for volunteers to provide relief services to prisoners of war early in 1915.

Pursuit of an 'Unparalleled Opportunity': The American YMCA and Prisoner of War Diplomacy among the Central Power Nations during World War I 2008