863.00/955: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 25—3:42 p.m.]
80. At 12:40 today announcement was made over Government radio Vienna that Dollfuss had resigned and Rintelen, Austrian Minister at Rome, was new Chancellor. According to announcement later made over Government radio a group of some 300 persons disguised as security forces had seized the official radio and made foregoing announcement which Government authorities again in control of the station stated was incorrect and an act of sabotage.
The unauthorized announcement may have been a signal for a Nazi putsch throughout Austria. It resulted in a confusion of issues which at the moment has not been clarified.
Numerous rumors regarding Dollfuss Cabinet prevail but are unconfirmed, one of which is Cabinet are prisoners of either the Nazis or the Heimwehr in the Foreign Office and as all communications with Foreign Office by telephone or otherwise barred no definite information concerning status of situation can be sent.
Latest radio communiqué states radio building reoccupied and district surrounded and police action under way. Only shooting we have been able so far to verify have been desultory shots in and around radio building.
The remainder of the city is quiet and it is believed Americans in the city in no danger whatever.
Will report further developments.