Memorandum.
Date
1936-03-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Despatch in which this memo was enclosed is missing. Main object of German occupation of Rhineland to give free hand later to South and Southeast; Germany's offer of twenty-five year peace pact merely cloak to hide real objective; wavering position of England inexplicable; confidence in League gone; League meeting transferred from Geneva to London but nothing accomplished; smaller powers apprehensive, particularly Austria and Czechoslovakia who are most threatened; Mussolini did not discourage German action and saw in it a way of diverting attention from his activities in Abyssinia; Hungarian and Austrian chiefs of state visited Rome on Mar. 19 and on 23rd signed three protocols extending Rome protocols of 1934; protocols contain no agreement of mutual military obligations; Austrians probably signed with misgivings, for fear of offending England, but England had already shown unwillingness to action, and France could not act alone; new Italian-Austrian-Hungarian bloc will not be welcomed in London and will cause concern in Paris; situation could yet be saved by reestablishment of Anglo-French front, and this front taking determined stand.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.