Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Rome.
Date
1936-12-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Acknowledges Phillips' note of Nov. 3 enclosing copy of dispatch no. 61 of Nov. 2; realizes Mr. and Mrs. Phillips may find it difficult to come to Vienna for visit, but invitation stands; commends to Phillips' attention [Egon] Berger-Waldenegg [now Austrian Ambassador to Italy]; considers him intelligent and right-minded, though something of a Fascist, and basically friendly toward U.S.; Grazzi, formerly First Secretary in Italian Legation in Vienna, now in Foreign Office in Rome where his brother [Emanuele] is a leading official; had pleasant relations with Grazzi in Austria; both Grazzi and wife are attractive and nice to know; some attention to them might be quite helpful to Phillips; [Nicolas] Horthy stopped in Vienna for weekend on return from Rome; the former Admiral had first glimpse of sea in 18 years; thinks Horthy visit had no special significance; Italian position correspondingly stronger; still uncertainty as to German-Italian agreement; conflicting reports and difficult to know who is telling truth; Chancellor has stiffened attitude and Italians have stiffened theirs so that slipping toward Germany has been arrested, but harm already done; [Franz] von Papen's activities in German Legation a scandal; wonders whether Austrians will continue to tolerate it; thought recent reorganization of Cabinet would strengthen Government, but now doubts it; [Eduard] Glaise-Horstenau naive and not very intelligent, but exceedingly ambitious; fears [Guido] Schmidt has allowed position to go to his head, and he is now inclined more to Berlin than to Rome; his visit to Berlin did nothing to correct attitude; [Odo] Neustädter-Stürmer, Minister of Security, an opportunist, ambitious to play role for which he is unprepared; restoration question further in background; Germany definitely opposed to restoration; Japanese-German agreement on Communism has solidified situation in England; calls attention to Manchester Guardian article of Nov. 28, "Another plain warning to Germany."
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.