663.001/5–2250: Telegram

The United States Delegation for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers to the Acting Secretary of State

secret

2845. Delau 464. At 254 meeting Austrian Deputies, Soviet deputy as chairman noted that adjourned date was fixed at request West delegates and suggested discussing remaining unagreed articles.1 West Delegates restated treaty position set forth in declaration of three Foreign Ministers May 20[19] pointing out that if all articles were to be settled 48 bis must be settled, but if Soviet delegate unready settle 48 bis then impossible settle all unagreed articles at once.

Soviet deputy insistently refused to make any commitment with respect to Article 48 bis until other articles had been discussed and suggested that they be taken up seriatim, beginning with Article 9. [Page 461] US deputy, recalling past Soviet assurances, pointed out connection between other Articles, and concluded that Soviet offer meant discussion only of paragraph 5 Article 16.

Soviet deputy in insisting on discussion amendment Article 9 showed he was primarily desirous of discussing Soviet charges rather than text of amendment. All delegates repeated previous arguments this subject.

Soviet deputy, in attempt shift blame for delay on West deputies recapitulated familiar charges West deputies held up decision German assets two years, repeatedly refused discuss other articles, refused discussion Soviet amendment Article 9. US deputy again pointed out German assets decision made possible by decisions certain other articles as well as on basis Vishinsky New York assurances, that for last six months Soviet delegate consistently refused settle one single article, which by those assurances was linked with others, that West deputies never refused discuss Soviet amendment Article 9, but considered amendment unjustified by facts, and deputies not competent to find such facts.

In course attempt shift blame delay Soviet deputy pointed out that before signature Austrian Treaty it would be necessary that three West governments reply Soviet note April 20 re Trieste because it was impossible permit Austria become unlawful US/UK base in Europe as Trieste has become in violation of international obligations. US deputy in reply said that it was inadmissible that a treaty to re-establish independence and integrity Austria in compliance solemn pledge given by Four Powers should be made dependent upon something which has nothing whatsoever to do with Austrian Treaty.

UK deputy pointed out that Soviet set up three conditions for settlement of treaty, none of which deputies are competent to deal with: first, the finding of facts re Soviet amendment Article 9; second, reply to Soviet note on Trieste; and third, settlement of questions between Soviet Union and Austria arising out of 48 bis.

Adjournment having been suggested by French deputy, Soviet deputy at first said it was inexpedient postpone meeting, but would not insist his position, but after US deputy proposed fix date several weeks hence for next meeting, which was accepted by French deputy and UK deputy, Soviet deputy said that under present conditions meeting should be postponed until after receipt by Soviet Union of a reply by West governments to Soviet note of April 20 re Trieste. West deputies categorically rejected any possible connection between Trieste problem and question of Austrian Treaty. Soviet deputy reiterated that Trieste question had a direct relation with the Austrian Treaty as the question concerned the fulfillment of international obligations, and reiterated that he would be prepared to meet again only after [Page 462] reply from three West governments on Trieste question had been received by Soviet Government. Pressed by UK deputy and US deputy who pointed out that if Soviet deputy insisted his position a serious situation would arise which they would have to report to their governments, Soviet deputy continued maintain position. French deputy proposed meeting Friday, May 26 at which time he could let others know what was attitude of French Government. After much discussion, in which all deputies maintained positions, US deputy summarized three proposals and suggested that since they required consultation with respective governments each deputy should inform Secretary General of his views as soon as possible.

Meeting adjourned with no decision.

West deputies will meet tomorrow morning in effort to formulate agreed recommendations to governments, on basis of which instruction will be sought.2

Sent Department 2845, repeated information Paris 900, Vienna 117, Moscow 154.

  1. The United States Delegation minutes of this meeting are in CFM Files, Lot M–88, Box 117, USDel Mins.
  2. At their meeting on May 23 the Western Deputies agreed “to reject Soviet proposal to establish connection between reply on Trieste and date next meeting and to urge definite date of July 10 be established for next meeting.” This position was approved by the Department of State on May 24, and, at the 255th meeting on May 26, despite Zarubin’s efforts to discuss Trieste and violations of the denazification agreements and insistence that no date could be fixed for the next meeting until the Western powers had replied to the April 20 note on Trieste, the Western Deputies declared that they would be in London on July 10 ready to resume discussions, “and that if Soviets failed to appear obvious conclusions would be drawn.” (Telegrams 2878, 2939, and 2970 (Delau 465, 471, and 472), May 23, 25, and 26, from London; Telegram 2503 (Audel 266), May 24, to London, none printed, 663.001/5–2350–2650)