Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Secretary of State [Cordell] Hull, Washington.
Date
1936-10-16
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
[Ernst von] Starhemberg called Chancellor on Oct. 9 demanding that another Heimwehr member be added to Cabinet or he would ask [Ludwig] Draxler and [Eduard] Baar-Baarenfels, two Heimwehr members in Cabinet, to resign; Chancellor stood firm; Cabinet to remain same for present, and Heimwehr to be dissolved; Starhemberg accepted situation in good spirit, and on advice from Mussolini; rumors of a private agreement made at time of July 11 accord that Heimwehr would be dissolved and Starhemberg eliminated as two greatest enemies of Germany in Austria; no foundation for rumors; attended small dinner with leading Austrian financiers including Dr. [Viktor] Kienböck, President of National Bank; Kienböck said Austria would not devaluate unless forced to by developments outside; necessity of maintaining tourist traffic and export trade will be controlling factor; Foreign Ministers of Rome Protocol States to meet in Vienna Nov. 11; rumored that Germany would take part in conference, but no foundation for rumor; Dr. [Guido] Schmidt to go to Berlin immediately after Conference, but only as gesture to satisfy Germany; Austria would like London and Rome to iron out differences because she must depend principally on Italy and wishes Italy in stronger position; negative cooperation between Berlin and Rome continues; new Hungarian Prime Minister [Koloman de Daranyi] much wiser safer man than [Julius de] Goemboes, and Hungary likely to be less subject to German pressure; has learned [Hans Heinrich] Dieckoff new German Ambassador to U.S.; knows Dieckoff well; he will be more persona grata in Washington than [Hans] Luther and he is not a Nazi, but will not be able to speak his own mind; Germany lacks exchange for food stuffs and for raw materials for armaments; whole industrial program and employment at stake; Franco-Belgian military alliance dropped; plans for Locarno meeting will have to be reshaped; [Leon] Degrelle's activities in Belgium should be watched.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.