Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1935-02-27
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Situation quiet in Austria; less organized opposition to Government; Socialists and Communists lack leadership; Austrian social insurance system in serious difficulty; may be necessary to reduce payments, to increase taxes, or put budget out of balance; Austrian Nazis disorganized and leaders discouraged; no prospect of more money from Germany; further blows to Austrian Nazis were [Fritz von] Tschirschky incident and dissolution of Nazi organization in Upper Austria; von Tschirschky [und Boegendorff], special attaché at German Legation, no Nazi and open in his criticism of Nazi policy, was instructed to return to Berlin; instead he went to Switzerland, where his family is expected to join him; [Franz] von Papen ordered to hunt von Tschirschky and see that he return to Berlin; von Tschirschky had contact with Austrian Legitimists; he favored return of Hohenzollerns in Germany; execution in Germany of two women [Baroness Benita von Falkenhayn and Frau Renate von Natzmer] as "spies" has not helped Nazi cause; believes visit of Chancellor and Foreign Minister to Paris and London has given them increased confidence; both were prepared to talk about Hapsburg question; Schuschnigg a fine man, but does not like his job, and like most of the men in his government, is a monarchist at heart; England and France will agree that restoration is an internal matter, but will certainly advise against it for the present; according to press comment, both Schuschnigg and Berger-Waldenegg made good impression; British Cabinet's decision not to engage in separate conversations with Germany on air pact shows England's increasing recognition of real situation; British procedure regarding visit to Berlin a masterpiece of diplomatic strategy; London did not give Berlin satisfaction of visit to Berlin alone, but let it be known visits would also be made to Warsaw and Prague, and probably Moscow; atmosphere for approaching conversations of [Sir John] Simon in Berlin not altogether favorable; influences at work in England which make negotiations difficult; Berlin will bluff, be very angry, and use same old tactics; England has real responsibility and it is hoped she will remain firm; [Anton] von Rintelen trial again postponed.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.