Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. Despatch No. 945 to Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
Date
1936-11-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Principal developments in Austria recently have been elections in the farmer and peasant group and reorganization of Cabinet; election first to be held under present constitution and results satisfying to government; approximately 81 percent of voters appeared at polls; next election will be for worker group; reorganization of Cabinet not influenced by external factors or pressures; reorganization strenghtens position of Chancellor, but some foreign press reports that changes were influenced by Chancellor's desire to emerge more clearly as dictator are incorrect; economic situation continues to improve slowly; Vienna Conference of Rome Protocol Foreign Ministers now scheduled for Nov. 11-13 looked upon with hope in Vienna and with mingled hope, doubt and fear in Southeast Europe; hopes for meeting now somewhat dim because of two recent occurences - Count Galeazzo Ciano's visit to Berlin, inspiring fear of some arrangement between Berlin and Rome, and speech in Milan by Mussolini, which was especially friendly in reference to Yugoslavia and appeared to support Hungary's revisionist claims; speech is considered effort to break up Little Entente as preliminary measure for facilitation of arrangement between Germany and Italy; it is hoped in Austria that matter of revision will not come up in Vienna Conference for Austria would not wish to offend Hungary, but would be loath to support her revisionist claims; Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. [Guido] Schmidt said in press interview Austria expects to remain in League of Nations, but that reforms in the League are needed; asked correspondents not to place too great hopes in Vienna Conference; he said relations with Germany since the July 11 accord better than they had been in three years, and that trade agreement negotiations would be resumed shortly; Schmidt himself expects to visit Berlin at invitation of Foreign Minister [Konstantin] von Neurath; between pressure from Italy and Germany, Austria may be forced to restore the monarchy as an alternative to succumbing to either Italian or German influence.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.