Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. Despatch No. 65 to Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
Date
1934-07-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Reports on abortive attempt of Nazis to overthrow Austrian government and on circumstances surrounding death of Chancellor [Engelbert] Dollfuss; Nazis seized radio station and forced broadcaster to announce that entire Cabinet had resigned; other Nazis invaded Foreign Office where Cabinet was meeting; more than one hundred occupants of building held as hostages; police and Heimswehr [Home Guard] surrounded building; Nazis offered to release hostages unharmed in return for safe conduct to German border and asked that [Karl] Rieth, German Minister, be present to witness agreement; Rieth arrived, agreement was made, and hostages released, but when authorities discovered that Dollfuss had been mortally wounded they were released from agreement and over a hundred Nazis were imprisoned; believes Nazis accomplished their major purpose in assassination of Dollfuss; in absence of Vice-Chancellor [Ernst] von Starhemberg, [Kurt] Schuschnigg named by President [Wilhelm] Miklas to take over temporarily.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.