CONFIDENTIAL
Vienna, 12 May 1936.
The Extraordinary Ambassador and Deputy Minister of the German Reich on a Special Mission.
No. A.25U
SUBJECT: May rally of the Freedom Union.
[Maikundgebung des Freiheitsbundes]
(Three copies for the foreign office)
To the Fuehrer and Reichschancellor
Berlin
by Courier
After return here, I received the enclosed interesting report on the Sunday parade of the Freedom Union.
It can be seen from it that the Heimwehr, despite all its efforts, could not prevent the starting of the Workers' demonstration.
AQfi
2830-PS
The shouting of the demonstrators shows very clearly that the Heimwehr suspects camouflaged National-socialists in the Freedom Union, that is people who want to reconcile themselves with Germany. .
The enclosed "Neuigkeitsweltblatt" speaks in its report very openly about the strong inner tensions, which came to light the day before yesterday: the possibility of a break in its own camp, which could hinder the consolidation in the country. One wishes to blame the agitators for the break; however one knows exactly, that fundamental differences of opinions are in question. It is certain that beginning today the workers movement through the participation of Schuschnigg is recognized as a legalized movement, in which in the future the Army and Police have an ally against the Heimwehr, hated by all three.
The following incident is interesting. The Czech Legation secretary Dohalsky has made to Mr. Staud (leader of the Freedom Union) the offer, to make available to the Freedom Union every desired amount from the Czech Government, which he would need for the strengthening of his fight against the Heimwehr. His only condition is, that the Freedom Union would guarantee to take a stand directed against Germany. Mr. Staud has simply refused this offer. It is shown by that, how one even in the enemy's camp already evaluates the new grouping of Forces. From that the further necessity results for us, to support as before this movement financially, and namely mostly in reference to the continuation of its fight against Jewry. I consider an amount of about 100,000 RM necessary which is to be made available in schillings as required, and I request permission for this.
Our relationship to the Freedom Union, especially to its leader Staud is already so intimate, that I was asked, which personalities, in case of entry of ministers from the national opposition into the Cabinet, are desired by the German Government.
The Starhemberg declaration (Neues Wiener Journal of 9 May 1936) in which he calls for a crusade against Bolshevism, and for the formation of a unified front from North to South, has given cause for considerable thoughts in the foreign press. From the English side here, everything is being tried to diminish Starhemberg's influence and his intimate cooperation with Italy. It may be assumed that a possible approach by Starhemberg to the German Government would be considered very skeptically in the English Foreign Office.
My conversation with the Austrian Chancellor [Bundes Kanzler] will probably take place tomorrow.
% Papen [signed in ink]
497
Letter to Hitler on political unrest in Austria, proposing that Germany should subsidize the Austrian Freedom Union, especially for its "fight against Jewry"
Authors
Franz Papen, von (Vice-Chancellor; ambassador)
Franz von Papen
German general staff officer, politician, diplomat, nobleman and Chancellor of Germany (1879–1969)
- Born: 1879-10-29 (Werl)
- Died: 1969-05-02 (Sasbach)
- Country of citizenship: German Reich; Germany
- Occupation: diplomat; military personnel; politician
- Member of political party: Centre Party (until: 1932-01-01); Nazi Party
- Member of: Union-Klub
- Participant in: Hostages Trial (date: 1947-10-03; role: affiant)
- Significant person: Wilhelm List (role: acquaintance)
Date: 12 May 1936
Literal Title: Subject: May rally of the Freedom Union.
Defendant: Franz Papen, von
Total Pages: 2
Language of Text: English
Source of Text: Nazi conspiracy and aggression (Office of United States Chief of Counsel for Prosecution of Axis Criminality. Washington, D.C. : U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946.)
Evidence Code: PS-2830
Citation: IMT (page 3261)
HLSL Item No.: 453480
Trial Issues
Conspiracy (and Common plan, in IMT) (IMT, NMT 1, 3, 4) Wars of aggression Persecution of political, religious, and ethnic ("racial") groups (IMT, NM…
Document Summary
PS-2830: Photostat of letter signed Papen re Financing Fifth Column movement in Austria
PS-2830: Confidential report from Papen to Hitler, 12 May 1936, concerning the differences between the "Freiheitsbund and the "heimwehr" in Austria and the necessity of supporting the "heimwehr" with money, in particular for the continuation of the fight against Jewry