762.63/185
The Chargé in Germany (White) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 31.]
Sir: In continuation of despatch No. 594, of March 6, 1934, I have the honor to report that since that date the constant attacks on Chancellor Dollfuss in the German press have markedly subsided. Reports in the foreign press that Vice Chancellor von Papen would proceed to Rome to attend a convention of the Knights of Malta and would there meet Dollfuss, were denied. Von Papen himself, if he ever had any intention of going, was incapacitated by blood poisoning in the foot. Austrian affairs are being primarily viewed from the angle of the Italo-Austro Hungarian conference in Rome.
It is claimed in the press that the European constellation is admitted to be shifting, and a note of fear is in evidence lest Germany be left out of the Duce’s plans or else that the altered circumstances may lead to Italian rapprochement with France. As against this it is maintained Mussolini had realized in the past that all solutions of the Danubian question must remain futile without German participation.
Respectfully yours,