[Moffat, Jay Pierrepont], Washington. To G.S. Messersmith, Vienna.

Believes [Raymond H.] Geist should for the present remain in Berlin, where his work is outstanding, but when time comes for his transfer, will recommend to Personnel Board he be given assignment where his political ability will tell; will be delighted to see Messersmith when he comes in April and have chance to exchange news and opinions; will send memo to FP [Division of Foreign Service Personnel] and FA [Division of Foreign Service Administration] requesting that orders be framed so that Messersmith can have the days he wants in Berlin; glad to know Austrians feel they have local situation well in hand; has heard from confidential sources Germans expect Otto to be on Austrian throne by end of 1935, which will give them an excuse for closing in on Czechoslovakia and opening up way to East; waiting to hear Hitler's reaction to Franco-British approach of last weekend; still recuperating from Senate's vote against ratification of World Court Protocols; makes the role of U.S. representatives in Europe more difficult