Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1934-10-26
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Under new constitution Austria is a corporative state, with various bodies whose function is deliberative, taking place of Parliament; membership of these bodies to be announced Nov. 1; appointments the cause of much dissension; Heimwehr especially making exaggerated demands, but Chancellor wishes to get best men for positions, regardless of faction; list of appointees appears to be complete without precipitating crisis; many disturbed because Chancellor has been talking to representatives of Austrian Nazi Party; no cause for alarm; Chancellor will remain firm; decree issued providing for "parallel" classes for Jews and Gentiles in schools; obviously intended to put Jews in secondary category; decree announced while Chancellor and Foreign Minister were in Geneva asking help for Austria; incident did not improve Austria's impression with delegations from England, France, and Italy, though Chancellor and Foreign Minister made reassuring statements regarding discrimination; Jewish leaders called on Chancellor and were promised that Jews would be guaranteed all constitutional rights and equality; talked recently with correspondent who spends most of his time in the Balkans; he says Croations undoubtedly behind murder of King Alexander; Goering attended Alexander's funeral and made speech promising Yugoslavia territory if she followed Germany's lead; much visiting among European government leaders to various capitals; clear that Germany trying to prevent Italian-Yugoslavian understanding in order to make French-Italian agreement impossible; read Frank Simond's article in Atlantic Monthly; agree with his major conclusions; Europe in same position as in 1914; England must make decision; if she makes it in time general conflict can be avoided, but if she delays too long, war will eventually come; Italy's need for money and her difficult internal situation make for moderation there.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.