Selby, Walford, Lisbon. To G.S. Messersmith, Washington., 1939 October 18

Thanks Messersmith for messages sent through [Herbert Claiborne] Pell and [George Alexander] Armstrong; over two years since parting in Vienna; Selby himself transferred few months later; interest in Austria has dwindled since her fall; many seemed to think Austria was all Nazi anyway, but when peace comes statesmen should reflect on Emperor's [Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor] dictum: "Austria erit in orbe ultima" [Austria will be the last thing in the World]; recalls assistance given him and Dorothy [Lady Selby] by Messersmith; Dorothy mentioned recently something Messersmith had said: "Would it not be better to have a little war now than a big one in a few years time"; enjoys pleasant relations with members of American Legation; American fleet sailed in recently; met Admiral at luncheon at American Legation; gives news of sons in service and daughters at home.