740.00119 Council/4–3049: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Deputy for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers (Reber)
us urgent
niact
1475.1 Ausdel 53. For Reber. Re Delaus 101 Apr 27,2 we realize interrelationship of German and Austria settlements, and if agreement [Page 1092] appears possible on Ger, Austria will be included for discussion. If stalemate develops in Ger discussions, we do not wish to prejudice future negotiations by Deps of Aus treaty by linking it completely with possible deadlock on Ger and failure to agree on ministerial level. Accordingly, it is not considered desirable to discuss Aus treaty in early stages of conference or until substantial agreement reached on Ger issues.
We understand this approach is in accordance with views of Fr and Br. Cadogan indicates Bevin strongly desires initial agenda be in the most general terms such as “the question of Germany” but would of course be willing to add Austria if progress in CFM warranted such inclusion. Chauvel indicates similar position his Govt.
In view of foregoing, review of unagreed articles shld be continued with objective of clarifying any secondary issues prior to possible discussions by ministers as well as ascertaining Sov intentions with regard to ultimate agreement in CFM. Desirable that ministers shld concentrate on main issues of frontiers, reparations and Ger assets. Recess might be obtained in agreement with Brit and Fr shortly before CFM to permit reports to respective Govts in order that negotiations may be resumed by Deps (possibly in Paris) simultaneously with ministerial discussions.