Austrian statesman and chancellor (1897-1977) whose attempt to prevent Hitler occupying Austria led to his imprisonment until 1945. TLS in German, one page, 8 x 11, blindstamped personal letterhead, March 8, 1964. Schuschnigg responds to a high school student's questions regarding Adolf Hitler. In part (translated): “Yes, the Austrian people cheered Hitler jubilantly and were quite happy seeing him take over their government. Mass Psychology seems often to express itself in a strange way. Actually the great majority of Austrians were not Nazi sympathizers before the actual day of Anschluss (March 12, 1938). However, they were told—and we had most seriously believed it—that Anschluss and Hitler meant war and the continuous existence of an independent Austria meant peace. Now Hitler had come, by violating all treaties,—and peace seemed safely preserved; all danger gone; the promised prosperity would start; unemployment etc; was over…This explains at least partly the cheering. Besides, not all Austrians could cheer; a substantial part had been arrested the very first day, or was in danger to be arrested for past political creeds, unless they joined visibly the bandwagon.” In fine condition.
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