Resumé of major aspects of European situation as seen from Vienna, prepared by G.S. Messersmith.
Date
1936-02-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 651. London most important capital in Europe and exercises most influence; British definitely behind League and policy of collective security, which involves no credits to Germany and no separate agreements with her; recognizes military threat of Germany and understands her territorial aspirations; committed to cooperation, with France; France, under [Pierre-Etienne] Flandin, has abandoned Laval policy of seeking direct understanding with Germany and will depend on the League, close cooperation with England, and a system of alliances within the Little Entente and the Balkan Union; she will continue to try to keep friendship of Italy as a prop in Southeastern Europe, but will be less disposed to make compromises; in Czechoslovakia there is now more liberal statesmanship and better comprehension of economic factors; emphatic statements by Austrian leaders that there will be no change in their government have allayed fears in Prague, Belgrade, and Bucharest of a Hapsburg restoration and cleared way for better political and economic relations between countries of the Little Entente and the Balkan Union; Turkey showing reasonable attitude under British influence; situation in Egypt continues to offer difficulties, but appears on way to adjustment; Russia apparently disposed to support League and collective security; ratification of Franco-Soviet Pact and of Soviet-Rumanian Pact strengthens Russia's position; Poland remains on the fence at present,but her agreement with Germany may not be able to withstand economic pressures and old resentments; Switzerland, feeling her neutrality threatened, taking measures to strengthen her defenses, as are Belgium and Holland; in Scandinavian countries there is increasing apprehension of Germany's program; Italy feeling the pressure of her isolation; her financial position poor and continues to grow worse; she would like some face saving compromise on the Abyssinian question; in Germany, internal situation worse, with financial factor approaching a crisis; may move toward remilitarization of Rhineland but thinks Germany will take no overt action either there or against Austria until after Olympics; all Europe now understands German aims; hopes for peace depend on steadiness of British policy, and Austria remains principal object of policy, for it is on the maintenance of her independence that peace largely depends.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.