Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-01-18
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Austrians satisfied with result of Saar plebiscite; Austrian press restrained, but emphasizes vote should not be considered victory of Hitler government; Nazis in Austria weak, but government took precautions against demonstrations following Saar plebiscite; Austria's internal situation cause for uneasiness; certain men in government no doubt marked for assassination and are heavily guarded; Government wants no incident in Austria which might embarrass London, Paris, or Rome; Schuschnigg seems leaning toward Monarchy; Baron [Gabriel] Apor, Hungarian Minister, said, "It was becoming clearer that Austria and Hungary would have to begin sleeping with each other again...and they might even have to take a Hapsburg into the bed with them"; if unity of London, Paris, and Rome can be maintained, Germany can be brought into line; many rumors about what is happening, but difficult to separate real from fantastic; one story is that Germany is about to proceed against Danzig and that she and Poland have scheme to give Poland new outlet to the sea; another is that plans are made for putsch against Austria immediately after League formally turns over the Saar; movement in moderate direction seems to continue in Germany; was informed that Freiherr von Lueninek, who belonged to former Center Party is to have position under [Hjalmar] Schacht, practically replacing the more radical [Walther] Darre, and that [Fritz] Reinhardt, who has been thorn in Schacht's flesh, is to go; [Franz] von Papen went to Saar to vote and got himself into more trouble; according to French newspapers, he made statement there that result of Saar election was good indication of the way things would go in Austria, if the people had a chance to vote; the morning after the plebiscite, coins bearing the inscription (in German) "The Saar has shown it, Austria will show it" appeared in Austria; talked with Foreign Minister recently before he left for Geneva; he said he would be talking with representatives of all the countries with which non-interference pacts were to be negotiated, including [Josef] Beck of Poland; Foreign Minister states that he and Chancellor would go to London in February.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.