863.01/1–546: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt)
18. Dept informed instructions will be sent by War Dept to General Clark7 to introduce proposal into AC for agreement on reduction of occupation forces in Austria.8 Following is plan for progressive reduction during 1946, as proposed by War Dept:
In Vienna, each power to have 9,000 troops on Feb 1, 8,000 on Jul 1, 5,000 on Nov 1.
In zones other than Vienna, size of occupation force proposed for US is 31,000 on Feb 1, 16,000 on Jul 1, 12,500 on Nov 1; for France 28,000 on Feb 1, 16,000 on Jul 1, 12,500 on Nov 1; for UK 50,000 on Feb 1, 30,000 on Jul 1, 20,000 on Nov 1; for USSR 60,000 on Feb 1, 40,000 on Jul 1 and 28,000 on Nov 1.
Figures proposed are maximum figures and each power, in its discretion, may maintain garrisons of lesser strength. Specified strength, however, should include personnel of all ranks of ground, air and sea forces.
You will notice that proposal calls for equalization of occupation forces in Vienna but does not in zones due to differing degrees of frontier responsibility. Dept will appreciate your comments on advisability of proposing agreement on equalization of occupation forces in various zones if Council agrees to draft declaration proposed by British on guarantee of frontiers (Deptel 403, Dec. 299).
Dept considers US proposal for reduction of occupation forces should properly be made as soon as possible after recognition of Austrian Govt.
- Gen. Mark W. Clark, United States Army, Commanding General, U.S. Forces in Austria, U.S. Military Commissioner in Austria; after September 1, 1946, U.S. High Commissioner in Austria.↩
- For a communication between Secretary of War Patterson and the Secretary of State on the reduction of occupation forces in Austria, see a letter dated December 28, 1945, and footnote 68, Foreign Relations, 1945, vol. iii, pp. 691 and 692, respectively.↩
- Not printed.↩