663.001/3–850: Telegram
The Minister in Austria ( Erhardt ) to the Secretary of State
389. Deptel 372 March 3.1 As Department will have observed, Austrian proposals to Western Powers for alleviation of occupation are similar in spirit to those outlined in Legtel 252, February 14 as second phase of suggested course of action in event no treaty. It is our understanding that Austrian memorandum was not intended to cover possible action vis-à-vis Soviets for relaxation occupation controls, but rather was limited to measures which they felt Western powers could put into effect unilaterally.
While we agree possibility of four power action on proposals is remote, we, nevertheless, feel that for propaganda as well as substantive reasons, Western powers should press for such quadripartite action before announcing measures which they intend to take in Western zones. This is especially true now that Austrian proposal has been addressed to Soviets (Legtel 366 March 62).
We feel strongly that measures henceforth taken by Western powers both in treaty negotiations and re Austrian proposals must be utilized in all-out endeavor to make Soviet position untenable as well as to ameliorate occupation burden on Austrians.
Re unilateral action by Western Powers, study of memorandum indicates extent to which US has already liberalized occupation policy, as compared even with British and French. We are, therefore, in general agreement with General Keyes’ comments as reported in P–4646 March 2 to Department of Army. Perhaps not unnaturally, however, we are inclined to be sympathetic towards ninth item in Austrian memorandum. We also feel that some formula might be found as suggested in Legtel 334 February 28 to give Austrians some degree of satisfaction re military courts (items three and four of Austrian memorandum). In addition, we consider it will be important to follow up vigorously on housing (item 2) and give full consideration to inter-dependent questions of Austrian security forces and size of occupation forces (items 10 and 11). Re lesser items, we feel it would be advisable for occupation forces to comply with Austrian fish and game laws.
In sum, we believe it important that Western Powers demonstrate to Austria memorandum has been given serious, sympathetic consideration, and that their suggestions have been accepted to fullest possible extent. To this end, we feel US should comply with proposals where feasible, but our major role will, of course, be to convince [Page 386] British and French to bring their occupation regimes into line with what we have already done and are doing.
[Here follow comments on the specific items of the proposal.]