Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To the Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
Date
1936-08-21
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosed with No. 712. Chancellor struggles against German pressure; talked with Dr. Wildner, who headed Austrian delegation to Berlin for commercial talks; he reported Germans wanted everything, but not prepared to give anything; definite negotiations for trade treaty to begin end of September, but Wildner gloomy; he knew German pressure would be greater; Rost van Tonningen, League Financial Committee representative in Austria, has resigned; doubts he will be replaced; likely that all foreign control over Austrian finances will soon be removed; removal of all foreign control may weaken Austrian resistance to German economic pressure; van Tonningen reported to be returning to Holland to head Fascist party; he has written to National Socialist leader in Holland to offer his services; should keep eye on developments in Holland and Belgium; Hungarian regent [Nicolas] Horthy [de Nagybanya] in Austria on hunting trip on estate of Count [Stephen] Festetics in Tyrol near Berchtesgaden; has been informed shooting trip is blind, that Horthy plans to slip over border and call on Hitler; it is thought he will tell Hitler that although Hungarian sympathies are with Germany, in case German action provokes war, dependence on Hungary must not be taken for granted; Germany's plan to absorb Austria continues; rumor and insinuation are having their effect; pressure of 68 million against 6 1/2 cannot be ineffective; German progress in accomplishing her objects has been continuous; reparations forgotten, Saar reincorporated into Germany, Rhineland occupied and being fortified, fortification of Helgoland in progress, League weakened, Danzig being brought into Reich, Little Entente disintegrating; Czechoslovakia practically standing alone; German policy, aided by Italy, directed against Franco-Belgian military agreement and Franco-Polish agreement, Austro-Italian agreement and Rome Protocols shaky; Germany still has hopes of separating France and England; [Eugenio] Morreale, in recently published article, says National Socialism in Austria, since accord of July 11, is now a national rather than international question and no longer the concern of Italy, thus indicating a decreasing interest by Italy in Austria; a few bright spots; English rearmament progressing rapidly; French military position still strong; Germany seems convinced now she is not yet prepared for war; King [Edward] of England visiting in Yugoslavian waters; visit may have political significance; President's recent Chataugua speech [on peace] a great one.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.