Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To John [Hickerson, Washington].
Date
1937-01-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Parts of pp. 3 & 4 cropped. [Marcell William] Fodor called recently and reported that he will contribute to new financial magazine being founded in New York; magazine could not find sounder man in Central Europe; interested as to [Hermann] Goering's objective in going to Rome; probably wanted to know what London-Rome Gentleman's Agreement means; was told he also tried to persuade Mussolini to change his attitude on Austria so as to give Germany more latitude there, but found him adamant; Austro-German trade negotiations still incomplete; Austria determined not to finance increased trade at her own expense; Austria will probably have to make some concessions to satisfy Austrian agricultural elements and to prevent being accused of sabotaging the July 11 accord; new "cultural" organizations of so-called Nationalists and Nazis being formed in Austria; believes Chancellor is tolerating them, hoping if he gives them enough rope they will hang themselves; [Odo] Neustädter-Stürmer, their leader will no doubt have to leave cabinet; [Eduard] Glaise-Horstenau likely to remain, since he is in Cabinet as part of July 11 agreement; Europe passed through major crisis during Dec. and early Jan.; Hitler would have provoked war had it not been for opposition of his Army and Navy, the determined stand taken by France and England, and moderating influence exerted by Mussolini; great shortage of both foodstuffs and raw material in Germany; for first time, exchange is diverted from raw material purchase to increasing food-stuffs; industry already feeling raw material shortage; if wheels stop turning employment will go down; unless there is relief in the way of credits and markets, breaking point will soon be reached; danger of regime seeking way out by war still present, and no time for change of policy by England, France or U.S.; believes situation entering decisive stage; nothing U.S. can do in active or direct way, but by maintaining present attitude of not negotiating until there is a responsible government to negotiate with, and not selling to Germany unless paid, that in itself will be constructive; as to neutrality legislation, only safe policy for U.S. is to give greater power to President to act as circumstances dictate; any other policy would encourage the dictatorships, discourage the democracies, and tie hands of U.S.; many concerned over what will happen in Germany should present regime break down; Reichswehr will probably take hold, and new government will doubtless be strongly oriented to right for some years; Germany will have to learn her way back painfully to democracy; will be glad to get home in the spring and see friends in difference parts of country; encloses copy of article by Oswald Villard entitled "Sale of Ambassadorships"; was flattered to be placed in such distinguished company; glad someone else went to Russia; does not care for title of Ambassador and prefers Vienna to Moscow.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.