863.00/976: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Messersmith) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:25 p.m.]
87. The funeral of Dollfuss today was dignified and moving spectacle and President Miklas and Acting Chancellor Starhemberg in temperate, well-considered, but unmistakable and energetic language, used the occasion as a public dedication of the united Government to the Dollfuss policies and unswerving adherence to complete Austrian independence. They have definitely committed the Government to a policy of friendship with Germany but have made it clear that there can be no compromise on matters affecting Austrian independence and interference in her internal affairs.
Used brave words and meant them and the martyrdom of Dollfuss may be the path to internal political peace in Austria. The settlement of the Austrian problem is essential to European peace but it is not a problem the Austrian people can solve by themselves in spite of concrete and determined intentions. Her problem was created after the war from the outside and only the united action of the powers can save her and by that heal what is now one of the most dangerous spots in Europe, perhaps immediately the most dangerous. The Austrian economic and financial situation [s] are better and I believe that with normal relations with her neighbors she can live within present borders but she is and will remain a weak country. As a result of the conditions developing in the postwar years she is now really prostrate before any aggressor, as events have clearly shown since the pretensions and lawless acts of the National Socialist government in Germany have so brutally manifested themselves.
[Page 34]There can be no political peace in Europe and no beginning towards Bavarian recovery until Austrian independence is definitely assured and a responsible government in control in Germany. It seems that Italy, France, England now definitely recognize this and I believe we should view with sympathy any concerted moral pressure which may be exerted by them to secure guarantees [for] Austrian independence.
While I am forced to the conviction by experience that no faith can be placed in the fulfillment of the promises or declarations of the Hitler government, such as those implied in his letter to Papen naming him Minister to Austria, I believe the circumstances require and are propitious for putting that government unequivocally on record regarding Austrian independence. Many factors point to a breakdown of that government before long. Its position has never been weaker. It is an untenable position before world opinion as the result of the murder of Dollfuss with the perpetrators of which her Minister here with his background and official knowledge felt compelled to treat. Concerted moral action by Italy, France, England can now without bloodshed secure from an insecure and trembling Germany guarantees for Austrian independence which will at least place her unequivocally on record and heal this long neglected sore and at the same time this will help materially in paving the way for more normal conditions in Germany and Europe. Then, and not before, progress can be made on disarmament. I do not believe the Austrian problem is an immediate problem for us. I do not believe that we should intervene directly in this or other primarily European problems. But an independent Austria and a healthy Germany are necessary to our own peace and economic health. I have felt it my duty therefore to give to the Department my matured views at this length as of possible interest at a time when it appears important steps may be under consideration by the immediately interested governments.