Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To Jay Pierrepont Moffat, Washington.
Date
1934-07-17
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Developments in Germany following inevitable course; Goebbels' speech on foreign press impudent and mendacious; Hess' speech, meant to be peaceful effort, bristled with threats; Goering's recent declaration that the law and Hitler's will are one an indication of no change; so-called interview Hitler gave to [Drew] Pearson believed manufactured by Propaganda Ministry; doubts Pearson ever saw Hitler; Hitler in speech before Reichstag failed to mention victims of June 30 purge other than S.A. and S.S. members; so much for his professed candor; England, France, and even Italy likely to get together now; present German government cannot withstand political shock of complete isolation coupled with economic difficulties; if Reichswehr acted quickly, could probably eliminate Hitler regime with little bloodshed and put new government into power; a leading English correspondent in Europe has just arrived after ten days in Germany; he had talked with the Rothermere Chief correspondent in Berlin who told him that the future policy of the [Daily] Mail would be definitely critical of present regime in Germany and that Rothermere was dropping [Sir Oswald] Moseley; same correspondent told him about conversation with British Ambassador, Sir Eric [Phipps] who seemed impressed by Hitler's action [of June 30] and seemed to read into it good things which none of the correspondents could see; Phipps appears to be poorly informed; according to this correspondent, right thinking Germans hope England will not supply Germany with credits or raw materials, for such help would only bolster present regime; correspondent assigned by his paper to interview sister of [Ernst] Roehm and daughter of [Gustav] von Kahr, two victims of June 30 purge, but found both women watched by police and not allowed to talk; Germans now claim that report of death of [Erich] Clausener, i.e. Klausner, a mistake, but according to reliable informant who was in same building, two S.S. men entered Klausner's office, asked Klausner to identify himself and then shot him; believe he was killed not so much because he was a leading Catholic, but because he was expert in transportation matters and likely to be included in any new government; situation in Austria much better in some respects, but not all is serene; Heimwehr as unpopular with army as S.A. is with Reichswehr; Dollfuss himself opposed to private army such as Heimwehr.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.