863.00/1434: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:03 p.m.]
61. My No. 60, March 12, 1 p.m.56 The consensus of Italian opinion as manifested by certain of the newspapers today would seem to lay the blame for the present situation in Austria upon two so-called “blunders” committed by the Versailles Powers: (1) The idea that Austria in its precarious condition both economically and politically should or could remain independent; and (2) the idea that Italy would at all times bear the burden of the situation. Austrian independence could have existed in the eyes of these writers if Germany had supported this independence but that the other powers by setting Austria perpetually against Germany have rendered it impossible.
It is also alleged that Italy’s attitude in refraining from either direct or indirect intervention of any kind “in the internal situation of Austria” is irreproachably “correct”. The Italian press also repeats in its editorials the German complaints regarding Schuschnigg’s attitude on the plebiscite and implies that Austria is now to be regarded inevitably as part of Germany.
Gayda57 this afternoon makes it very clear that there will be no reaction on Italy’s part to what is described as the “development of a natural step in German history”. He also recalls his editorial of April last year (see Embassy’s telegram 176 of April 23, 6 p.m. 193756) to the effect that with Italy’s collaboration the agreement between Austria and Germany contemplated progressive direct participation of the Nazis in the Austrian Government.
Communiqué issued this afternoon states that a special envoy from Berlin brought a personal letter from Hitler to the Duce concerning Austrian events.
While the above represents the official version of the Italian attitude there is evident among many Italians a feeling of real concern and depression.