Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.

Date
1934-08-23
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Wishes to correct statement made about Prince of Hesse in letter of Aug. 14; have been informed that he is above average in intelligence; situation quiet in Austria; hangings and stiff prison sentences following trials of terrorists and those involved in the July 25 putsch have had good effect; Foreign Minister [Egon Berger-Waldenegg] informs that his government convinced little can come of [Franz] von Papen's mission here; von Papen in presenting his letters emphasized that he came as Minister on special mission but President replied that he was being received as Minister accredited in the usual manner; British Military Attaché said he had talked with the German Military Attaché who informed him that Austrian Legion had been disarmed and broken up into small groups; text of Hindenburg will suppressed ; trials of those arrested for complicity in July 25 putsch conducted in fair way; some of the instigators escaped to Germany on evening of July 25; [Anton] Rintelen still in hospital, but under prison guard; no doubt about his guilt; Ambassador [Breckinridge] Long visited last Sunday; asked about possibility of Prince von Starhemberg going to Rome as Austrian Ambassador; has heard nothing of this here and think it unlikely; von Starhemberg probably hopes eventually to be Chancellor, but at present he is wholeheartedly supporting Schuschnigg; basic situation unchanged; Germany still determined to absorb Austria and carry through her political and economic ambitions in Central and Southeastern Europe; Italy opposed, as are France and England; will probably see various actions in Germany directed toward reassuring the rest of the world and toward conciliating increasing internal opposition; Hitler's next move may be to eliminate some of his more radical advisers; going tomorrow to Salzburg for weekend.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.
Citation