Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-08-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Monarchists, encouraged by recent attention, strengthening their organization, but they have no power; when or if restoration comes, it will be by Government action, and Government feels restoration would be mistake at present; falling prestige of Italy because of Abyssinian question may affect position of Prince [Ernst von] Starhemberg, who has close ties with Italy; Major [Emil] Fey, leader of Vienna Heimwehr, strengthened; consolidation of Heimwehr and other private armies into one military organization making little progress; rumored conversations in progress between Rome and Berlin, but no official confirmation; [Franz] von Papen returned from Berlin with nothing but vague propositions to offer Austrian Foreign Office; Austria still opposed to idea of separate agreement with Germany, but further delays in conclusion of Danubian Pacts may force her to negotiate with Germany; Italian Government announced Rome agreement of January 7 between Italy and France regarding Austria remains in effect; news from Germany increases concern; flagrant incidents so numerous no use in reporting separate ones; [Hjalmar] Schacht's recent speech protesting the excesses of no significance for excesses are carried on with knowledge and approval of Government; Schacht making bid for foreign support; speech not carried on German radio and reported on very briefly by German press; list of sentences passed before so-called People's Court in Germany shows there is no safety for high or low and decisions of court such as to make term "justice" a misnomer; [Julius] Streicher made speech in Berlin middle of August which was too much even for some Nazi stomachs; arrest in Czechoslovakia recently of General [Rudolf] Krauss and author [Joseph Franz] Leppa seems connected with contact between Henlein Party and Nazis in Germany; much interest in Olympic Games; Germany considered it a great victory last year when World Baptist Congress was held in Berlin in spite of German persecution of Churches; a great victory when World Criminal Congress was held there recently with distinguished lawyers and jurists from all over the world, even though Germany now a state in which there is no justice; but being host to Olympic Games is greatest victory yet; National Socialism is a movement of the young, chiefly under 30, and to have sportsmen from all over the world gather in Germany, in spite of discriminations and barbarities of the regime, is gratifying to the Party; psychological importance should not be underestimated, and political consequences outweigh athletic importance; although National committees in almost every country are aware that Germany is already violating promises that there will be no discrimination, they are encouraging their national units to participate in Berlin; only Austria has indicated she will not participate; still hopeful U.S. committee will change its attitude; General [Walther von] Reichenau transferred from important post in Berlin to one as division commander in South Germany; Reichenau one of few army officers to join Nazi Party; he had favor of Hitler but was ignored by Army colleagues, who "kicked him upstairs" by a promotion in grade and relegated him to post outside Berlin; indicative of strength of Reichswehr.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.