Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. Despatch No. 636 to Secretary of State [Cordell Hull], Washington.
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University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
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Austria's internal situation quiet and controlled, but she occupies precarious position because of general European situation; she is trying to maintain friendly relations with Italy and at the same time cultivate England and France, and to strengthen friendly relations with Hungary and the other states of the Little Entente; it was announced that Chancellor [Kurt Schuschnigg] would visit Prague and address an industrial group there; Austria and Czechoslovakia have been working on a trade agreement and considering the need to plan common course of action in the face of danger from a common enemy; Franz von Papen called on Austrian Foreign Minister and informed him that the German government looked upon Schuschnigg's visit to Prague as an unfriendly act and would prefer that he not make it; another example of German interference in Austrian affairs; visit postponed because of impending changes in Cabinets of both Austria and Czechoslovakia; protests of Germany had nothing to do with postponement; Austria's chief internal problem is balancing her budget; in spite of drastic reductions in the budget, the country will operate under a considerable deficit; concern felt because of reports of German troops massed near Austrian border.