28 Nov. 45
I shall first review developments in the 2-year period, July
1934-36.
First, we must consider the continued aim of eliminating
Austria's independence, with particular relation to the Defendant Von
Papen's conversation and activity. The first point that should be
mentioned is this: The Nazi conspirators pretended to respect the
independence and sovereignty of Austria, notwithstanding the aim of
Anschluss stated in Mein Kampf. But in truth and in fact they
were working from the very beginning to destroy the Austrian State.
A dramatic recital of the position of Defendant Von Papen in this
regard is provided in Mr. Messersmith's affidavit, from which I have
already quoted. I quote now from Page 9 of the English copy, the
second paragraph, 1760-PS, Exhibit USA-57:
"That the policy of Anschluss
remained wholly unchanged was confirmed to me by Franz von Papen when
he arrived in Vienna as German Minister. It will be recalled that he
accepted this assignment as German Minister even though he knew that
he had been marked for execution in the St. Bartholomew's massacre of
30 June 1934. When, in accordance with protocol, he paid me a visit
shortly after his arrival in Vienna, I determined that during this
call there would be no reference to anything of importance, and I
limited the conversation strictly to platitudes which I was able to
do as he was calling on me in my office. I deemed it expedient to
delay my return call for several weeks in order to make it clear to
Von Papen that I had no sympathy with, and on the other hand was
familiar with the objectives of his mission in Austria. When I did
call on Von Papen in the German Legation, he greeted me with 'Now you
are in my Legation and I can control the conversation.'
"In the boldest and most cynical manner he then proceeded to
tell me that all of southeastern Europe, to the borders of Turkey,
was Germany's natural hinterland, and that he had been charged with
the mission of facilitating German economic and political control
over all this region for Germany. He blandly and directly said that
getting control of Austria was to be the first step. He definitely
stated that he was in Austria to undermine and weaken the Austrian
Government and from Vienna to work towards the weakening of the
Governments in the other states to the south and southeast. He said
that he intended to use his reputation as a good Catholic to gain
influence with certain Austrians, such as Cardinal Innitzer, towards
that end. He said that