800.515/1212: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State

4692. From Phillips and Taylor. Your 4388, June 2, midnight. As indicated in telegram No. 4619, June 9, 6 p.m.85 for Treasury, the British have decided to approach the Soviet Government without delay on the question of Austrian schillings. The Foreign Office has not yet decided, however, whether to make the approach through British Embassy in Moscow or through Ambassador Gusev86 in London. Because of possibility of whole matter being referred for detailed action to the Foreign Office am inclined to favor latter approach. Embassy will be kept informed of developments.

It would seem that the differences between the Foreign Office and the Treasury have been ironed out and the Foreign Office preference (based on political reasons) for schillings over marks adopted. The proposal to delay approaching the Russians as indicated in our 4585 June 8, 6 p.m.87 apparently was not due to this divergence of views but to a feeling in some quarters that it might be preferable to postpone currency discussions until Anglo-American agreement on the financial directive for Austria had been reached thus permitting both questions to be presented to Moscow at the same time.

As indicated in both of our telegrams under reference, British are proceeding with the printing of Austrian schilling currency.

Please inform Treasury. [Phillips and Taylor.]

Winant
  1. Not printed.
  2. Fedor Tarasovich Gusev, Soviet Ambassador in the United Kingdom.
  3. Telegram not printed.