762.63/103: Telegram

The Minister in Austria (Stockton) to the Secretary of State

42. Referring to my telegram No. 39, August 30, 4 p.m.18 the Chancellor has since informed me that Mussolini did not make him a “definite promise” of military support but gave him the “impression” that he could depend on Italy for military assistance “in the event of invasion by Germany” which was less categorical than the statement made to me by Hornbostel. At the same time he invited my attention to a press report from Rome dated August 30th stating that the command of the Italian Fourth Army Corps would be moved in the near future from Verona to Bolzano, 90 kilometers south of the Brenner.

He stated that the press reports concerning Trieste proposal were greatly exaggerated as Austria had no money for shipbuilding. He described Germany’s failure to keep its pledge to Italy to stop radio attacks inexplicable.

With regard to press reports that he was seeking a truce with the Nazis, the Chancellor told me frankly that his policy toward Germany had been a purely defensive one and that the Nazis’ terrorist acts had compelled him to take repressive measures against them. He added that he had scrupulously striven to avoid challenging the Reich with reprisals. He referred to Austria as a German nation and expressed a desire for the restoration of harmonious relations which he said could be brought about as soon as Germany would treat Austria as an independent German state.

I am not in accord with press reports that the appointment of the opportunist, Rintelin, Governor of Styria, as Minister to Italy was an overture to the Nazis. Rintelin is crafty and strives to stand in with all sides. It is my opinion that he resigned from the Government, see my despatch No. 846 of May 27, 1933,18 to evade any responsibility for measures against the Nazis and that he was appointed to Rome to remove him from Styria, which is a strategic province due [Page 443] to its large pro-Nazi population, which appointment he accepted with alacrity so that regardless of whatever happens in Austria his skirts will be clear.

The opening of a consulate at Innsbruck is evidence of importance the British Government attaches to the situation in Tyrol. It will be chiefly an observation post as there will be few consular functions to perform.

Stockton
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed.