Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1936-01-25
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Last part of letter dated Jan. 29. Chancellor [Kurt] Schuschnigg's visit to Prague assumed more importance than was intended; as originally planned, he made talk before Prague Industrial Club, hoping to influence negotiations for Austro-Czechoslovakian trade treaty; conferred also with [Eduard] Benes and [Milan] Hodza on mutual problems; press played up visit and attached political significance to it; much speculation that Schuschnigg was preparing way for restoration of monarchy; Foreign Minister [Egon Berger-Waldenegg] reported chances not good for trade treaty; balance of trade in favor of Czechoslovakia, and in spite of existing good will, Czechoslovakia cannot afford to reduce the imbalance; Patriotic Front met in Vienna Jan. 19; Schuschnigg and Prince [Ernst] von Starhemberg made speeches, assuring audience that Government's main interest was in preserving Austria's independence and that they would do nothing to disturb situation either internally or externally; von Starhemberg also said monarchy in Austria was an internal matter and a question for Austria alone to decide; probably to scotch rumors that he contemplated making himself King, he added that if monarchy was restored at any time, only a Hapsburg should occupy the throne; his statement led many to believe that restoration was eminent; caused great concern among neighboring countries, particularly Rumania and Yugoslavia; has made some progress in improving position of U.S. news correspondents in Austria, but some of them hold such strong personal political convictions they cannot see events here in proper perspective; [George E. R.] Gedye of the N.Y. Times, continues to offend with his highly colored reports; was surprised when [Reuben Henry] Markham of the Christian Science Monitor, usually well informed, sent in article giving distorted picture of Austrian situation; von Starhemberg has left for London to attend funeral of King George; he will make good impression in London; British Legation arranging memorial service for King George in British Chapel in Vienna; Austrian exports to Italy decreasing because of Italy's inability to pay; mild winter with little snow has affected winter sport tourist trade; inclosing Nazi handbill being circulated in Austria, usually dropped into letter boxes at night; it is Nazi demand "on behalf of the Austrian people" that they be given right to vote on the form of the state and on external relations; major Austrian policy indicates less and less leaning on Italy, orientation to closer dependence on League and on England and France, and cultivation of closer relations with Little Entente and Balkan states; developments in France still uncertain but indicate stronger position back of League and collective security; [Albert] Sarraut may not last, but [Pierre] Laval is out and way is cleared for closer Anglo-French cooperation; Sarraut will have help of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pierre-Etienne Flandin, who can be depended on to make every effort to maintain status quo; England no longer so interested in air pact with Germany in spite of German progress in air armaments; already evidence of violations of Naval pact; information given recently concerning German-Japanese agreement came from reliable source; both German and Japanese spokesmen deny agreement exists, which proves nothing; much speculation about Hitler's health; it is reported he has cancer of the throat; leading German surgeon reports it harmless growth; in recent speech Hitler referred to his successor; concern felt that ratification of French-Soviet pact will lead to counter action by Germany in militarizing Rhineland; Italy declares Abyssinian war will not interfere with Italian cooperation in Europe, particularly with reference to maintenance of status quo in Southeastern Europe, and that she will accept oil sanctions as well as others; pleased that U.S. neutrality legislation leaves sufficient discretionary power to President and State Department; delighted with purchase of house as permanent residence for U.S. Minister; has completed sale and will send documents to Washington.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.