Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. Despatch No. 70 to Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Enclosure: See No. 391. Reports further on Nazi attempt to overthrow Austrian government; two Italian army corps massed on Austro-Italian frontier, ready to aid Austrian government; Jugoslav minister feared Italy would use this occasion to attack Jugoslavia and felt Austrian government should appease Nazis by taking some of them into government; Frau Dollfuss visiting Mussolinis' family at time of husband's death; Mussolini himself broke news to her and placed government plane at her disposal for return to Vienna; Mussolini telegraphed Prince [Ernst] von Starhemberg same day assuring him Italy stood ready to aid Austria in maintaining her independence; whatever else may be said of Mussolini, believes it was his prompt action which averted an international situation; convinced that Minister [Karl] Reith as well as others in German government knew and approved of plot if they did not instigate it; Rieth replaced in Vienna by [Franz] von Papen; Hitler's letter to von Papen, published on July 26; translation enclosed; letter obviously insincere; Hitler known to have said he "could not bear von Papen"; indignation of Austrian people over manner of Dollfuss' death may bring different factions closer together and prepare way for internal political peace.