Messmer, Erich Arnold. | Tulane University Special Collections

Name: Messmer, Erich Arnold.

Historical Note: Erich Arnold Messmer (1906-1990) was Consul General of Switerland in New Orleans from 1964 to 1972. He was born in Laupen, Switzerland and attended the University of Fribourg, where he received his bachelor's degree in prelaw. He received his doctorate in law at the University of Bern. He practiced law in Bern for several years and was a judge advocate in the Swiss armed forces. In 1927 he began his career in the Swiss diplomatic and federal service, working as a technical adviser with the International Labor Organization under the United Nations in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey; Nairobi, Kenya; and Uganda. He also represented the Swiss government in Paris and London. He was the Swiss representative for the United Nations in Geneva. He was fluent in nine languages. During his time as consul general, he was made honorary mayor of New Orleans. He was the co-founder of MIGROS, Incorporated, one of Switzerland's largest outlet chains. He was married to Frieda Messmer and had a son, Fritz.

Sources: Manuscripts Collection 831

Note Author: LAC Group

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Messmer, Erich Arnold.