Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1934-09-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Fate of Austria will be determined outside her borders; Austria unable to maintain her own independence; Paris and Rome understand this and London is increasingly aware of situation; prominent members of Parliament and English Cabinet members visited Vienna recently; according to them an effort will be made to get Italy and France to compose their differences and settle the Italian-Yugoslav dispute, arranging things so as to satisfy Czechoslovakia and Little Entente; England might then join with them in definite guarantees which would serve notice on Germany that in case of aggression the three would act together; British Minister emphasized it was their problem, and all they expected from America was a sympathetic attitude; Ribbentrop went to London to try to get credits to purchase raw materials for Germany's armament program, but failed to do so; Hitler knows his government is doomed unless he can get credits; he will try to frighten England and U.S. with threat of using substitute materials and with the old threat of Communist take over if Nazi government isn't supported; Germany cannot develop and produce substitutes for cotton, wool, etc. as quickly as needed, for her best chemists have left or been driven from the country; believe there is little danger of Communist take over; National Socialism more radical and dangerous than anything seen in Russia; U.S. must have no illusions regarding future trade relations with Germany; she wants our raw materials now, but only until she can get them elsewhere; bad policy to give further credits to country which has already repudiated earlier debts; certain banks willing to lend to Germany, but risk other people's money while they collect their percentage; only hope for Europe lies in elimination of present German government; if Italy, France, and England maintain common front, and all, including U.S. refrain from giving moral or financial support, elimination will be hastened; whatever government succeeds present one in Germany, it will be so occupied in repairing damage that it will have neither time nor resources for aggression.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.