Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
Date
1936-11-02
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Nazis, encouraged by failure of police to take vigorous action, causing disturbances in some parts of Austria; Government clarified police instructions; believes further disturbances will be prevented; election held recently among Peasant Group, giving large majority to candidates already associated with present Government; [Josef] Reither, former Minister of Agriculture and peasant leader, came out stronger than ever; Government now planning election among industrial workers; Austrian Foreign Office reorganized; Chancellor remains Foreign Minister, but named [Guido] Schmidt as Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; Schmidt young and comparatively inexperienced but he has confidence of Chancellor and appears able; because of both Italy's and Germany's efforts to use Austria as bridge to Little Entente and Balkan Union, Austrian Foreign Office has become more important and its personnel increased; [Theodor] Hornbostel continues as head of Political Division and under him two geographical subdivisions will be set up, each headed by a career officer in the diplomatic service; no information as to what took place during [Galeazzo] Ciano's visit to Berlin; some observers think Berlin and Rome feel time is ripe for pressure on London and Paris and fear Mussolini will risk war with England to obtain Mediterranean arrangement he desires, but Austrians still hoping for improvement in English-Italian relations; Mussolini in speech yesterday gave impression nothing concrete arrived at in Berlin; Mussolini silent on Spain, but defended Hungary's revisionist aspirations; doubts either Berlin or Rome prepared to bring things to crisis yet, but situation highly explosive and even small countries beginning to arm; many believe England's insistence on sanctions solidified Italian people behind Mussolini, but England had no alternative; listened to [Hermann] Goering's recent speech on radio; violent and vindictive in references to other countries; jokes he made about foodstuff situation not well received by German people; [Josef] Goebbels' speech followed and was more effective; evil, malicious, perverted, and dangerous, he is still the greatest propagandist in the world; Austrians interested in Cardinal [Eugenio] Pacelli's visit to U.S.; announcement made that exchange of diplomatic representatives between Vatican and Washington practically assured; will keep Department informed on Vienna conference.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.