1931 German And Austrian Customs Union With The British Diplomacy

A customs agreement was signed between the German government and the Austrian government for the establishment of a Customs Union on March 19, 1931. The German essential attempt by actively promoting the establishment of the Austro-German Customs Union was preparing advantageous conditions for her political expansion and hegemony in South-east Europe. The responses of European states were different about it on the grounds of their own interests. Among of them, France opposed firmly this union on account of worrying about the revival and growth of German power. Britain played the role of mediator between France and Germany in order to safeguard the state interest and consolidate the European peace, sympathizing with Germany and Austria as well as not daring to oppose France directly. But at last, Britain changed to support France for her weaker economic strength. All in all, the British attitude towards the Austro-German Customs Union varied from acquiescence to mediation, then to opposition. The thesis intends to analyze the characters of British diplomacy based on describing the British behaviors and its reason during the course of dealing with the Austro-German Customs Union. It consists of four chapters as follows:Chapter one recounts firstly the origins of the Anschluss and the producing process of clauses on prohibiting Anschluss in the treaty of Versailles during the course of the Peace Conference. Then describes the favourable conditions of the Anschluss. Finally recounts British position on Anschluss is not against it.Chapter two firstly elaborates the establishing process of the Austro-German Customs Union, and German motives are preparing advantageous conditions for her political expansion and hegemony in South-east Europe. Then recounts the different responses of France and the Little Entente. Finally shows British first response to the Austro-German Customs Union is approving it by describing the historical facts.Chapter three describes mainly British foreign policies and activities on dealing with the question of the Austro-German Customs Union. British responses include two kinds of attitude. The first kind is compromising and mediating. And finally, Britain opposes the establishment of Austro-German Customs Union because of the economic crisis.Chapter four firstly analyzes the reasons of British diplomacy on the question of the Austro-German Customs Union from three aspects, including British strategy in Europe, economic situation and distinguishing feature of economy. Then summarizes the main characters of British diplomacy are flexibility and the nature proceeding from actual conditions. But the final result of this problem deviates from British first motive.