Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 2

No. 591

663.001/12–1351: Telegram

The United States High Commissioner for Austria (Donnelly) to the Secretary of State ¹

secret

Vienna, December 13, 1951—8 p.m.

2037. Deptel 1470, Dec 11.² Advantage taken of Reber’s visit to Vienna for further discussions Aust Deputies meeting and tactics. It was pointed out to Gruber that early meeting was desirable in view announced position three Western powers. More importantly, it seemed wise to conclude meeting before Western Foreign Mins reassembled at Lisbon and while UNGA still in session, for whatever psychological effect latter factor might have on Soviet attitude. Gruber agreed meeting.

In discussions with Brit and Fr HICOMs, it was agreed three Western elements here would suggest Jan 21 for Deputies meeting, with tripartite discussions to begin Jan 18.³

Report of discussions on tactics follows.⁴

Donnelly

1. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Bonn for Reber.
2. Telegram 1470 transmitted the Department’s response to Gruber’s suggestion that the meeting be postponed until early February. The Department preferred a meeting in January in view of the tripartite agreement for an early session. The Embassy was instructed to assure Gruber that in all probability the meeting “will be short and of routine nature and will not conflict with his plans for People’s Party Congress.” (663.001/12–651)
3. In telegram 2883 from London, December 27, the Department was informed that the British and French agreed to the date of January 21 for the Austrian deputies meeting. The CFM Secretariat planned to issue invitations to the four powers on December 28. (740.5/12–2751)
4. Infra.