800.515/10–2545: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman)
2306. Unless you perceive strong objections, you should use Renner letter of Oct 8 to Clark88 as basis for further approach to Soviets on question of prompt conversion of Reichsmarks into AM schillings in Austria. We understand Brit Ambassador has already conveyed text of Renner letter to Soviets. You should point out to Soviets that recognition by Four Powers of Renner Govt’s authority over all of Austria as extended in Memorandum of Oct 20 from Allied Council to Renner89 creates new situation and that as result wishes of Renner Govt should be given every possible consideration. Oct 20 memorandum reserves certain rights and functions to Allied Council but these have not yet been specified and under existing circumstances wishes of Renner Govt in this matter have every claim to serious attention.
You may also cite Zecho currency conversion measures as causing increased undesirable flow of Reichsmarks into Austria. French compromise (urtel 3652, Oct 25) proposal not regarded here as satisfactory solution to problem. Repeated to Vienna.