863.00/1519: Telegram (part air)
The Minister in Rumania (Gunther) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 18—8:10 a.m.]
40. After discussion of Austria’s plight with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary and others I would say that the Rumanian Government though watchful for danger signs takes on the whole a calm view relying upon Polish alliance, its engagements with Little and Balkan Ententes and with France, the latter for what it is worth. The lack of interest and firmness to date of England is deplored. The new Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Comnen, for several years Rumanian Minister in Berlin who knows Hitler quite well and had many opportunities of conversation with him, is convinced that Hitler never would have attempted this coup if he had felt there was any danger of war from it; also that Hitler is afraid of war and that a show of determination would deter him from future coups. In support of this view he instances the Italian mobilization on the Brenner July 15, 1934. I am inclined to concur in this opinion.