762.63/91: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Long) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 23—8:45 a.m.]
93. My 92, August 21, 7 p.m.10 All high officials still absent from Rome but I learn from official Foreign Office source that Italy will [Page 436] definitely consider a Nazi Austria as analogous to Anschluss. In this connection Suvich11 told me August 7th “Germany must not be permitted to control Austria.” The general opinion here is that this movement of Mussolini is intended as a pointed but indirect notice to Germany that she must cease her anti-Dollfuss activities or provoke a united European opposition which might assume more than diplomatic character.
New economic proposals for Austria and Hungary each to use Trieste more freely as their port and agreements between Italy and each of those countries for reciprocal commodity purchases are the basis for rumors that there is contemplated a political association between Italy and Austria but it is believed Italy would rely on the Four Power Pact and the Paris treaties rather than assume any separate responsibility in that regard except to help the economic situation and foster trade and friendly relations between the three countries.
The Nazi putsch in Austria is scheduled for September 6th and it may lead to some definite difficulty.