Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1934-11-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Enclosure: See No. 441. Conversations between Chancellor and Nationalists discontinued; [Franz] von Papen may not have instigated conversations, but he has been in touch with Nationalists and advising them; von Papen reportedly negotiating with Chancellor and Foreign Minister on German-Austrian rapprochement, but according to Chancellor only talks had been on commercial matters; Church distrusts von Papen and influence of Church strong in Austria; Mr. Novackh, who had been appointed head of Council of State was removed from office when it was discovered he had remarried without proper Church annulment; Novackh replaced by Count [Rudolf] Hoyos; Councils play secondary role now, but may become nucleus of a return to parliamentary government; some Jewish discrimination continues in spite of assurances of Chancellor; [John F.] Montgomery in Budapest sent to Legation copy of his telegram to Department regarding Hungary's part in furthering German-Italian relations; information from sources in Vienna do not support implications of telegram; von Papen complains that he is constantly accused of being intriguer and emphasizes his desire for peace and good relations; no one in official circles or among colleagues has any faith in these protestations; Chancellor and Foreign Minister met with [Julius de] Goemboes on his way back to Budapest from Rome; according to Chancellor, their discussion was of extension of economic provisions of Rome Protocols; fact of German rearmament now recognized generally; only hope for Europe is Anglo-French rapproachment and common action; both are rearming; Chancellor and Foreign Minister left yesterday for Rome for talks on widening scope and effects of Rome Protocols; believes that closer Anglo-French rapproachment should have restraining influence on Italy; glad [Pierre-Etienne] Flandin to head new French government; Flandin a well-informed and able man; calls attention to articles on Austria by Douglas Reed in London Times for Nov. 8 and 9; thinks Reed's conclusions sound; Berlin correspondent for Chicago Daily News reports trade and credit negotiations going on between Berlin and Moscow, but no confirmation; has heard nothing further concerning rumor of [Hjalmar] Schacht's resignation; [James] Mooney, President of General Motors Export Corp. called recently; Mooney interested in U.S. making barter arrangements with Germany; tried to convince him there would be no advantage to U.S. or to the peace of the world; Mooney may be in touch with Department when he returns to America; he knows [George Nelson] Peek; returned von Papen's call recently and append resumé of conversation.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.