Memorandum of conversation between G.S. Messersmith and new Bulgarian Minister in Vienna, Mr. Parván Draganoff.
Date
1936-06-22
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 685. Draganoff called on Messersmith on June 18, shortly after Messersmith's return from the U.S.; had been military attaché in Berlin while Messersmith was stationed there, but they had had no contact then; it was known, however, that Draganoff's relations with Hitler and Goering were friendly and that he was definitely pro-German; Draganoff said it was unfortunate that Austrian-German relations were not better, and asked what Messersmith knew of conversations recently between Rome and Berlin and Berlin and Vienna; Messersmith replied he had heard that Rome-Berlin talks had no concrete results and that Vienna-Berlin talks had reached a stand-still; Draganoff thought it unfortunate Austria couldn't reach a "modus vivende" with Germany; Messersmith said Austria was willing, if Germany would concede her her right to independence and non-interference in her internal affairs; Draganoff said [Franz] von Papen had assured him that Germany had made those concessions, but that Austria had raised further objections; Messersmith replied that he had information from an equally good Austrian source that no such concessions were made; Messersmith told of recent visit to English friends and his conviction that the present attitude of England is being misinterpreted; England aware of mistakes made at Versailles and does not want them perpetuated as they might be if she took precipitate action, but her lack of action now must not be considered as pro-German or anti-French, and certainly not as a sign of weakness; Germany's rapid rearmament known in England and elsewhere and England can arm herself even more rapidly because of easier access to materials; Draganoff said position of Bulgaria was very difficult for over 50 percent of Bulgaria's exports go to Germany; and this must affect her political orientation; Messersmith felt that economic cooperation was possible without political dependence; "taking sides" now merely aggravates situation.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.