Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Jay Pierrepont Moffat, Washington.
Date
1934-09-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
As requested, giving character sketch of Kurt Schuschnigg and of other men in Austrian government; Schuschnigg born 1897, son of general in Austrian army; educated University of Innbruck; served in war 1915-1919; practiced law; elected to Parliament 1927; served in Cabinet first as Minister of Justice, then as Minister of Public Education; most trusted and intimate co-worker of Dollfuss; outstanding qualities sincerety, intelligence and honesty; reserved, with manner of scholar; devout Catholic, has monarchist leanings, but knows now is not the time for restoration; mildly anti-Semitic, but does not show it; probably best and strongest man to succeed Dollfuss; [Prince Ernst Rudiger von] Starhemberg, Vice-chancellor, youngest man in Cabinet, from one of oldest and most aristocratic families in Austria, but is very friendly with humbler people; attractive, excellent speaker, more popular with masses than Schuschnigg; a monarchist and personally ambitious, but he is a patriot and a staunch supporter of Schuschnigg; once close to Nazi movement, but now definitely opposed; [Egon] Berger-Waldenegg, Foreign Minister, affable, well-informed, experienced in diplomacy, a good man for the office, but does not add strength to Government; Major [Emil] Fey, once Vice-chancellor, now being pushed into background, is very bitter, and perhaps not to be trusted; Secretary of State for Defense, General [Wilhelm] Zehner not a good choice for the position; a political general, he worked up in Quartermaster's Corps and is therefore disliked by line officers of the army; personally likeable, but adds no strength to Government; [Karl] Buresch, Minister of Finance, a clever man, but not likely to remain in post; it is reported that he has used his position for personal financial gain; [Fritz] Stockinger, Minister of Commerce, young, energetic, and has good qualities, but he too is said to have made money out of his position.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.