Memorandum of conversation between G.S. Messersmith and Vice-Chancellor Prince [Ernst von] Starhemberg.
Date
1936-04-01
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 679. Called on Prince Starhemberg on March 31; Starhemberg felt Austria could depend on Mussolini's word that Italy stood ready to defend Austria's independence; he was optimistic that France and Italy would settle Abyssinian question outside the League; England would not like it, but would not be unhappy to see the matter settled; Prince could not understand English attitude; he had a very satisfactory visit to England on the occasion of the King's funeral and found the English statesmen friendly to his country, but on the whole, insular, with no understanding of the problems of countries on the Continent; nor could they understand problems of population pressure; even Churchill saw the solution in simply "having fewer children," which might be an English solution, but not a European one; asked the Prince whether he thought German intentions toward Austria had changed, and he replied that they had not and would not; Prince remarked that Messersmith probably did not approve of Austria's form of government; replied that he was here as an objective observer for U.S. Government and it was not his place to approve or disapprove of a purely internal matter; that Austria's government was probably best for Austria under present conditions; asked Prince what he thought of possible Rome-Berlin alliance; he replied that Mussolini had no intention of playing second fiddle to Hitler; called attention of Prince to certain trends which might prove dangerous if not repressed, specifically the trouble the Association of Photographers was causing the photographic division of the Associated press, and the attempt of certain manufacturers to bar foreign manufactured articles; such practices could damage Austria's foreign trade, for there might be reprisals; Prince said he would look into matter.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.