Messersmith, G.S. Vienna. Memorandum of conversation with Chancellor [Kurt] Schuschnigg.
Date
1935-03-19
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Saw Chancellor by appointment at 10:30 today; told him trip home was chiefly for personal reasons, but was also anxious for first-hand view of conditions at home; Chancellor interested in reports of President's [Roosevelt's] diminished prestige; reassured him that President was stronger than ever; during conversation Chancellor called to telephone and was obviously pressed for an unpleasant decision; he said, "But that is not possible; it would be unconstitutional"; those who consider Austria such an autocratic state should have heard him; pointed out to Chancellor Austria had become focal point in maintenance of peace and importance of post he and Foreign Minister occupied; discussed [Franz] von Papen's activities and remarks; at request of British colleague, helped Chancellor to understand British position; Chancellor an intellectual and by no means weak, but needs encouragement occasionally.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.