Messersmith, G.S., Vienna. To William Phillips, Washington.
Date
1934-08-18
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Had conversation this morning with German friend who is leading industrialist; according to him, economic and financial situation steadily becoming worse, but time not yet ripe for further developments; around periphery of Germany people gradually coming to their senses, but in central Germany hold of government still strong; greatest effort made there to increase industrial activity and there concentrated rearmament work; purge of June 30 helped to waken people; von Papen on list to be eliminated, but saved through intervention of Hindenburg; [Baron Werner von] Alvensleben, aide to von Papen, saved by Goering after threat by Alvensleben's wife that if either she or her husband was harmed it would become known that Hitler had approached her husband directly and discussed with him his willingness to murder Dollfuss; friend said Hitler afraid of assassination and has himself heavily guarded; [Hjalmar] Schacht, he said, could not be depended upon; in many respects a good banker, thought highly of himself, but now completely servile to Party; [Kurt] Schmitt now entirely out of government, a physical and partially mental wreck; [Wilhelm] Posse wished to resign but was persuaded to stay; convinced by friend that statement made in last letter to Department regarding Reichswehr's oath of allegiance to Hitler was mistake; Reichswehr would hold such oath lightly, and are only waiting for time to be riper; Goering strong with Reichswehr, and is said to be ready to go widely conservative; Reichswehr had complete charge of Hindenburg funeral; presence of Party leaders merely "tolerated"; friend emphasized that Germany should be given no help - either credits or raw materials, because that would only keep the present regime in power longer; [Rudolf] Hess ambitious for Vice Chancellorship, but friend said he would be very dangerous; Hess and Goebbels determined on further killings of decent and conservative people; in whole conversation friend did not mention Communism; Communism is the bugaboo which Nazis claim is the alternative to themselves in Germany.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.