Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

663.001/4–2650: Telegram

The United States Deputy for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers (Reber) to the Secretary of State

secret
priority

London, April 26, 1950—8 p. m.

2286. Delau 451. From Reber. At 252nd meeting AusDeps French Dep as chairman asked SovDep for information concerning status of Article 48 [bis] negotiations.¹ SovDep immediately launched on basis of prepared statement into long series of accusation against Austria for violation of Allied council decisions on denazification and demilitarization citing names and instances (full summary of which will be cabled as soon as records available²). This statement was utilized as basis for proposing an amendment to agreed text of Article 9 (text to be cabled upon receipt of official translation³). US Dept characterized Soviet charges as unfounded since Allied Commission had not found Austria guilty of these Soviet charges previously presented adding that amendment of agreed article was apparently presented as pretext further to delay conclusion of treaty. He reserved right to submit US reply in detail, either at subsequent meeting or before Allied Council, which is appropriate tribunal. French and British similarly reserved rights to reply later and criticized reopening agreed article.

Zarubin made every effort to avoid mention of Article 48-bis refusing to reply to numerous direct questions regarding progress made toward settlement. WestDeps made definite proposal to settle the four outstanding articles provided assurances could be given that 48-bis would likewise be settled and renewed offer to accept Soviet text of latter. Zarubin consistently refused to give any assurances repeating continually his suggestion was to start discussions with Article 16. WestDeps stated Soviet position constituted refusal to agree to any settlement.

After long exchange of this nature Soviet proposed adjournment until tomorrow to begin discussion Article 16. WestDeps agreed provided this would mean Soviets prepared to settle all issues. Upon Soviet refusal to give any such assurance British suggested adjournment until May 22 which was agreed subject to Zarubin’s confirmation after consultation with his government.⁴

Sent Department 2286; repeated Paris 656, Vienna 93, Moscow 127.

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Reber

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1. The United States Delegation minutes of this meeting are in CFM Files, Lot M–88, Box 117, USDel Mins.
2. Transmitted in telegram 2297 (Delau 453), April 27, from London, not printed (663.001/4–2750).

3. The Soviet amendment, circulated as CFM/D/L/50/A/104, reads:

   “Austria undertakes to dissolve all Fascist type organizations existing on its territory: Political, Military, pro-military as well as other organizations which carry on activity hostile to any united nation or which intend to deprive the people of their democratic rights.

   Austria undertakes not to let, under threat of penal punishment which shall be immediately determined in accordance with order established by Austrial laws, the existence and the activity on Austrian territory of the above-mentioned organizations.” (Telegram 2291 (Delau 452), April 27, from London, not printed, 663.001/4–2750).

4. On April 27 the Western Deputies met and agreed that the proper place to answer Zarubin’s charges was in the Allied Commission in Vienna rather than in the next Deputies session. On the following day Zarubin asked Mallet, the next Chairman, whether he would call a meeting on that day or the following one. Since Reber had left London for Rome, the 253d meeting was scheduled for May 4. (Telegrams 2303, 2330, and 2374 (Delau 454–456), April 27 and 28 and May 2, 663.001/4–2750, 2850 and 5–250.)