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Dr. H. Schmid, Austrian Minister in London, who has just returned from Austria, has been asked by the Austrian Foreign Minister officially to take up with us the question of the appointment of an Austrian representative in Canada.
2. During the conversation we had, I explained to Dr. Schmid that as Canada, unlike the United Kingdom, had never recognized the incorporation of Austria within the German Reich, it might not be necessary formally to terminate the state of war with his country. I also told him that due to the shortage of diplomatic personnel it would be extremely difficult for Canada to reciprocate in the immediate future if it were decided to receive an Austrian Representative in Ottawa. Dr. Schmid said that he understood this point, and that the Foreign Office would be willing to accept this situation for the time being as they were eager to send a representative immediately. He added that they had already made their choice, and would like us to give our agreement to Dr. Herbert Schallenberg-Krassl, who could be appointed either as Chargé d'Affaires, or whatever sort of Austrian Representative we might suggest.
3. A curriculum vitae left with us gives the following information on Dr. Schallenberg-Krassl:
Born March 29th, 1901, in Vienna;
Secondary and University studies in Great Britain, France and Italy, 1921-1925; Honorary Austrian Consul-General in Prague, 1936-1938;
Since May 7th, 1945, attached to the Office of the Austrian Political Representative in Prague;
Since July 1st, 1947, Counsellor of Legation at the Austrian Legation in Prague.
4. Dr. Schmid explained that his Government was most anxious for an urgent and favourable reply, and I should be glad to receive your comments on the question whether or not the Canadian Government would be prepared to accept an Austrian Representative, and if so, whether Dr. Schallenberg-Krassl would be acceptable.
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