Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Cordell Hull, Washington.
Date
1937-03-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Relates incident involving [Franz] von Papen and Austrian Foreign Office; von Papen gave dinner and reception at German Legation to honor visiting [Konstantin] von Neurath, and from the Austrian Foreign Office invited only [Guido] Schmidt; [Max von] Hoffinger and [Theodor] Hornbostel, heads of Political Division, resented the slight; von Papen learned of resentment and called on Schmidt to say he had not invited von Hoffinger, Hornbostel, and others of equal rank, because space was limited; he also commented on Hornbostel's lack of objectivity and his hostility to Germany; Schmidt replied that it was von Papen's right to invite whom he chose, but he found von Papen's statement concerning Hornbostel unacceptable; soon thereafter invitations were received by all ranking officers of the Foreign Office; von Papen wrote a two-page letter of apology expressing hope Hornbostel would still find it possible to attend dinner; all attended but atmosphere of dinner very chilly; incident of little importance except that it is indicative German trait long recognized; when aggressive attitude of a German is met by an equally determined stand, the German will usually give way; another reason von Papen wished to invite only Chancellor and Schmidt was that if others were invited he would have to include Dr. [Richard] Schüller, head of the Economic Division, who is a Jew; von Nuerath's reception, though courteous and correct, was on the whole rather cool; Schmidt asked him about the prohibition of the Vienna Neue Freie Presse in Berlin the preceding day and about the appointment by Berlin of a convicted Austrian traitor now living in Berlin to treat with Austrians under recent trade agreement; von Neurath expressed surprise and said he knew nothing about either; his ignorance indicates how little von Neurath has to do with matters affecting policy.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.