Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-03-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Chancellor and Foreign Minister pleased with outcome of visits to Paris and London; they met receptive attitude concerning reciprocal pacts, but had it impressed upon them they would have to keep restoration question in background for the present; [Anton] Rintelen trial began this week; Rintelen charged with indirect connection with July 1934 putsch; obviously guilty, but will probably be given light sentence based on nature of evidence presented; trial fairly conducted; other trials of Social Democrats, confined for months, indefinitely postponed; Nazi sentiment among masses in Austria weaker, but some activity among Socialists and Communists; economic situation improves slowly, but consumptive power of masses declining; good part of loan approved by League will be put into public works program which should relieve unemployment; many Hapsburgs present at public balls and entertainments sponsored by members of Government for benefit of "Winterhilfe" [Winter Relief] program; no significance as far as restoration is concerned; their presence merely used as drawing card for public, but it has effect of making Austria's neighbors uneasy; [Sir John] Simon's visit to Berlin postponed because of Hitler's "illness"; real reason is Germany's wish for more time to face demands Simon will make; publication of British White Book and consequences of [Major G. B.] Hennessy's interview [with Hitler, in which Hitler is reported to have commented on Austrian plebiscite] showed Hitler what they would have to talk about and temper of British representative; incident should show some of the English that they have to deal with a pathological subject and what they can expect from conversations or agreements with such a head of State; informed by Foreign Minister that Austrian Government made formal protest in Berlin over the Hennessy interview and that Hitler had denied it in spite of evidence as to facts; British colleague [Sir Walford Selby] pointed out interesting parallel; just before British entered war in 1914 German Government offered to refrain from offensive along North Sea in return for British neutrality; Germany using same tactics today with offer of separate air pact with England; [Franz] von Papen complained to Foreign Minister that London and Paris visits were directed against Germany and that "Jewish press of Ludwig" (head of Austrian Press Bureau and not a Jew) unfriendly to Germany, finally remarking, "Yes, you have your French and English friends now and can have your independence a little longer"; Foreign Minister informed that [Fritz von] Tschirschky would not go back to Germany; reported to be somewhere in Austria; his family still in Vienna, their home heavily guarded; [Hjalmar] Schacht in speech at Leipzig Fair said everything he is doing is with the will and approval of Hitler; clear case of "passing the buck"; [Anthony] Eden to go ahead with visits to Warsaw and Moscow in spite of postponement of Simon visit to Berlin; split in Labor Party in England creates difficulty for Government; Germany still hopes to break through London-Paris-Rome front through Labor in England; other circles in England favor credits and loans for Germany; British foreign policy a matter for Britain, not individuals or a party, but Government needs united public opinion behind its policy; some selfish interests even in U.S. favor credits and loans for Germany; even if Germany agrees to full London proposal and signs pacts, U.S. should wait to see what develops before giving aid of any kind; German activity abroad now less open and violent, but continuing in its subterranean work.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.