762.63/250
The Minister in Hungary (Montgomery) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 26.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that when Baron Hennet, the Austrian Minister, called a few days ago regarding some commercial matters I took the opportunity to mention General Gömbös’37 activity as peacemaker between Italy and Germany. He admitted that the Hungarian Prime Minister had been acting in that capacity and confirmed the things Baron Besseney38 told me in reference to the conversations at Rome on Gömbös’ last trip. However, he thought that very little had been accomplished because Italy would not accept verbal assurances, and Germany had shown no disposition to give anything else. He felt that Gömbös was greatly disappointed; that the role of mediator was an ungrateful one; and that Gömbös was now beginning to realize it. While he does not feel that Gömbös has accomplished much so far, he thinks that there are possibilities and believes that if anything is done it will be through Gömbös, as he seems to be cast for the role of mediator.
Baron Hennet said that when von Papen came to Austria he announced that he was there on a mission of peace and said that if there was any overt act committed on the part of Germany he would leave. It was perfectly true that since his arrival nothing had happened to give the lie to his peaceful intentions. Nevertheless, his Government felt that he had very little influence and was only sent there to be rid of, and that while it might suit Hitler to adopt a peaceful policy for the moment they had no illusions about Hitler’s ultimate intentions so far as Austria is concerned. The only question was whether he would be compelled to change his plans through economic and political necessity.
[Page 58]Baron Hennet said that von Papen’s ability to control the Austrian Nazis was of itself evidence that their past activities had been solely dictated from Germany. No one knew how much money Germany had spent in Austria. He estimated that it amounted to at least 180 million schillings.
Respectfully yours,