Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-06-20
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Austrian Government taking definite action in clearing out Nazi sympathizers in government offices, irregular military organizations, and youth organizations; despite trends outside Austria, Austrian leaders seem not unduly disturb ; progress slow in unification of military organizations; the Sturmscharen, Schuschnigg's private army, though smaller than the Heimwehr, represent a higher type and are opposed to unification; England's policy in treating with present German regime dangerous; Naval pact concluded; air pact next, and way paved for further concessions in way of credits and trade privileges; British Foreign Office knows situation, but must consider public opinion; London Times present appeasement policy not helping; British attitude complicates matters with Paris and Rome; Mussolini now determined to push ahead with Abyssinian program even to point of war, regardless of British objections; he doubtless feels if Hitler can get away with anything, so can he; [Ramsay] MacDonald reported planning trip to U.S.; England feels need of U.S. support and sympathy; Anglo-American cooperation usually a good thing, but if Englandcontinues present policy of appeasement, U.S. support should be withheld; German internal situation desperate; after taking half billion [marks] from private savings in January and half billion from private insurance companies in June, [Hjalmar] Schacht hard put to find more money to keep public works program going; [Anthony] Eden going to Paris today and then to Rome; he will have difficult time convincing Paris and Rome that England adheres to Anglo-French agreement and the Stresa program.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.