Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.2011-06-152011-06-151937-02-230860-00http://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/6836Chancellor's speech before Patriotic Front last Sunday gave assurance there would be no change in Austria's internal or external policy this year; Dr. [Guido] Schmidt, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, supports Chancellor 100 percent; restoration question still in the fore; restoration would pose no threat to peace internally; few objections externally except in Germany; Italy supports restoration in principle if it can be accomplished without disturbing peace; Chancellor plans visit to Italy in March to discuss matter with Mussolini; if he can persuade Mussolini to give unqualified support, Germany will not move for fear of risking war with Italy against her; Government making effort to bring working classes behind it; with restoration and a parliamentary regime in sight, it may be successful; [Odo] Neustädter-Stürmer to be removed from Cabinet after [Konstantin] von Neurath's visit; German Foreign Minister, von Neurath, arrived with wife Feb. 22; very few demonstrators and they were poor specimens; heard they were paid two to five schillings each; von Neurath concentrating on insisting on admission of all German newspapers into Austria; he has also probably been instructed to make known German opposition to restoration; bright and dark spots in Southeastern Europe; following Yugoslav-Bulgarian non-aggression pact, Czech, Rumanian, and Yugoslav Minister in Budapest proposed to Foreign Minister there that Hungary enter into similar pact with Little Entente states; an indication of appreciation of need for political cooperation; situation in Rumania worse; Government weaker and democratic parties pushed into background; dictatorship established in Poland; Hitler's less aggressive speech on Jan. 30 indicates realization Germany cannot wage successful war now; [Joachim] von Ribbentrop continuing extraordinary activities in England among certain group, while German press undertakes campaign against England on question of colonies; glowing reports from Germany about success in producing substitute materials not substantiated by fact; some firms now establishing branch plants outside the country as they can no longer get raw materials in Germany; new stand-still agreement represents further sacrifices for foreign creditors; [Stanley] Baldwin's recent speech on armament loan a masterpiece; had dinner with Duke of Windsor recently at meeting of "Beefsteak" Club; seemed in good health and spirits; his family making financial provision for him; he expressed interest in seeing new combined establishment of U.S. Legation and Consulate; his abdication may be best for England and Empire, but whole story a human tragedy; much that is written of his irresponsibility and excessive drinking incorrect; in some respects he is a stubborn, underdeveloped boy but in others he is a man of keen intelligence and wide interests; still hoping to sail from Hamburg April 7.Typed Letter Copy, 7 p.en-USMessersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.OtherMSS 109