Messersmith, G.S., undated

Recalls conversation with [Engelbert] Dollfuss and the events of his assassination by Nazi agents; Dollfuss was of humble origin and his opportunities for education and foreign travel had been limited, but he had a very perceptive mind and a good grasp of the European situation; he was chief stumbling block to Nazification of Austria, and Nazis were determined to eliminate him; dressed in uniforms of guards they gained entrance to building where Cabinet meeting was being held, killed Dollfuss, and held other people in building captive; Army came to rescue and quickly surrounded building; assassins captured and held for trial; Austrian Government remained in control, with [Kurt] Schuschnigg as the new Chancellor.