Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.

Author: Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.

Citable URI: http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/6641

Publisher: Special Collections, University of Delaware Library

Date Issued: 1936-03-05

Description: noted Phillips' interest in Prince [Ernst Rudiger von] Starhemberg; Starhemberg has some weaknesses but his good qualities outweigh them; a dedicated patriot and hard worker; somewhat reticent in private conversation; uncomplimentary references to him in recent American publications not justified; nervousness felt in Austria because of reported visit of [Konstantin] von Neurath to Italy (report unfounded); heads of state in Austria and Hungary invited to Rome on Mar. 19; neither country happy about invitation as they don't wish to offend England, France, and Little Entente countries, but will have to accept; Mussolini probably making grandstand play; concern felt in certain quarters over possible change in Austrian foreign policy; was assured by Foreign Minister there had been no change, but that Austria had to keep on good terms with Italy and was interested in strengthening ties with Little Entente as well as conserving friendship and support of England and France; if Mussolini attempts to bring Austria and Hungary into any scheme distasteful to Little Entente, England or France, he will fail; it is reported, though not officially that [Jan Garrigue] Masaryk, Czech Minister in London, will replace [Zdenek] Fierlinger in Vienna; Fierlinger one of best chiefs of mission in Austria, but he is a socialist with very liberal views and is not personally popular in Vienna; appointment of Masaryk, on top of successful negotiation of trade treaty would give impetus to movement for economic cooperation; tendency, chiefly in Hungary, to belittle movement toward greater cooperation between Little Entente and Austria and Hungary; Chancellor and Foreign Minister going to Budapest on Mar. 13 and will try to convince Hungarians that their extreme views on revision can be disastrous; has heard [Wilhelm] Furtwangler to be invited to head New York Symphony; an unwise choice; Furtwangler known to be unfriendly to America; better choice would be Erich Kleiber; planning to sail from Hamburg on April 8; will spend day or two in Berlin on way; must see aging mother, but will try to be in Washington for a few days about middle of April.

URI: http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/6641

Show full item record