Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Cordell Hull, Washington.
Date
1937-02-23
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Chancellor's speech before Patriotic Front last Sunday gave assurance there would be no change in Austria's internal or external policy this year; Dr. [Guido] Schmidt, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, supports Chancellor 100 percent; restoration question still in the fore; restoration would pose no threat to peace internally; few objections externally except in Germany; Italy supports restoration in principle if it can be accomplished without disturbing peace; Chancellor plans visit to Italy in March to discuss matter with Mussolini; if he can persuade Mussolini to give unqualified support, Germany will not move for fear of risking war with Italy against her; Government making effort to bring working classes behind it; with restoration and a parliamentary regime in sight, it may be successful; [Odo] Neustädter-Stürmer to be removed from Cabinet after [Konstantin] von Neurath's visit; German Foreign Minister, von Neurath, arrived with wife Feb. 22; very few demonstrators and they were poor specimens; heard they were paid two to five schillings each; von Neurath concentrating on insisting on admission of all German newspapers into Austria; he has also probably been instructed to make known German opposition to restoration; bright and dark spots in Southeastern Europe; following Yugoslav-Bulgarian non-aggression pact, Czech, Rumanian, and Yugoslav Minister in Budapest proposed to Foreign Minister there that Hungary enter into similar pact with Little Entente states; an indication of appreciation of need for political cooperation; situation in Rumania worse; Government weaker and democratic parties pushed into background; dictatorship established in Poland; Hitler's less aggressive speech on Jan. 30 indicates realization Germany cannot wage successful war now; [Joachim] von Ribbentrop continuing extraordinary activities in England among certain group, while German press undertakes campaign against England on question of colonies; glowing reports from Germany about success in producing substitute materials not substantiated by fact; some firms now establishing branch plants outside the country as they can no longer get raw materials in Germany; new stand-still agreement represents further sacrifices for foreign creditors; [Stanley] Baldwin's recent speech on armament loan a masterpiece; had dinner with Duke of Windsor recently at meeting of "Beefsteak" Club; seemed in good health and spirits; his family making financial provision for him; he expressed interest in seeing new combined establishment of U.S. Legation and Consulate; his abdication may be best for England and Empire, but whole story a human tragedy; much that is written of his irresponsibility and excessive drinking incorrect; in some respects he is a stubborn, underdeveloped boy but in others he is a man of keen intelligence and wide interests; still hoping to sail from Hamburg April 7.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.