Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Hamilton Fish Armstrong, New York.
Date
1936-08-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Stopped in London, Brussels, Paris, Berlin, and Prague on way back to Vienna; outlook discouraging; obvious that England and France would not move in case of German aggression against Austria, but other conditions made aggression by Germany unwise at present; countries of central and Southeastern Europe realize since occupation of Rhineland they are on their own, and are taking measures; German economic penetration in Southeast Europe will inevitably mean political domination; Austrian Chancellor conferred with Mussolini and was told Italy would favor Austrian-German accord if it could be reached on Austrian conditions of independence and non-immixtion; [Kurt] Schuschnigg forced to accept, but didn't believe Hitler would agree to conditions; Schuschnigg knew restoration now out of the question, with Germany so definitely opposed; Hitler agreed to conditions and accord announced July 11; many blame Schuschnigg for making accord,but he could do nothing else; Austrian people do not want Anschluss, but they do want friendly relations with Germany for economic reasons; Mussolini had urged it, and although France and England not happy about it, they would have been first to call Schuschnigg a disturber of the peace if he had refused the accord with the conditions met; no one has illusions that Germany will keep the agreement, but it does relieve tensions for all concerned for the present; feared more Nazi activity in Austria as result of accord and on July 29 when Olympic Torch passed through Vienna there was a disturbance created by organized Nazi groups, but government took prompt action; Spanish situation may have repercussions over Europe; another Fascist government will make conditions more difficult; Locarno talks postponed to October; Germany wants Olympic Games and September Party meeting out of the way; Fascist government in Spain will mean more active cooperation between Germany and Italy, with probability of concession of naval and air bases in Mallorca, which would be embarrassing to France and England; Hungarians keeping quiet; they are largely pro-German and think they will gain more through German supremacy; Yugoslavs unhappy about economic situation, but pleased that Austro-German accord places restoration out of the question; Rumania marking time, but German economic penetration already there; Czechs in precarious position; France will not or cannot help them at present, and any temporary relief they get from Germany will cost them their alliance with Russia; Austrians now in Berlin negotiating trade relations, but they will de disappointed; Germany willing to take Austrian products, but not willing to give up any foreign exchange; wise Germans have made every attempt to convince Hitler he cannot wage successful war now, but not sure whether his strange mentality has grasped it; hopes if Armstrong comes to Europe he will have Vienna on his itinerary.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.