863.01/6–846: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt)
u.s. urgent
543. Urtel 815 June 8.18 Instructions have been sent Gen Clark that US approval on new control machinery agreement be withheld pending decision by CFM on discussion of Austrian draft treaty. [Page 349] Gen Clark authorized in his discretion to make such a statement in AC June 14.
Reasons for Brit proposal to sign new agreement on June 14 are fully appreciated in Dept. Agreement regarded here as desirable step in increasing authority of Austrian Govt and ending present veto difficulties despite serious misgivings concerning Article 6–A and Soviet refusal to discuss reduction of occupation forces. US position, however, fully set forth in draft treaty already circulated with personal letter to Foreign Ministers. Dept considers it not desirable to sign agreement in Vienna on day preceding CFM meeting when Austrian draft treaty will be proposed for agenda. If no agreement is reached on draft treaty or if negotiations are delayed US in all probability will concur in new control machinery agreement as a transitional measure.
Discussions now under way in Dept to facilitate positive action in Austrian reconstruction in event either of successful negotiation of draft treaty or adoption of new control machinery agreement.
- Mr. Erhardt inquired in this telegram as to when Departmental approval for the new control machinery agreement might be forthcoming. He reported that his colleagues on the Allied Council expected authorization to sign the agreement by their respective governments and he expressed the opinion that the agreement would greatly improve the position of the Austrian Government. (863.01/6–846)↩