740.00119 EW/11–2744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
10190. Embassy’s 10348, November 24 and 10441, November 27. Russian proposal for United States zone in western Austria has been discussed with War Department where we were informed that the use of additional forces for occupational purposes in Austria would require a reconsideration of the entire program of the use of United States forces after German defeat. The whole question was therefore submitted to the President who has now requested that you be instructed to state in the European Advisory Commission that this Government does not wish to extend its undertaking with respect to the number and location of American troops to be used in Austria. Although we appreciate the force of the arguments enunciated in [Page 474] your 10732 of December 4, you should maintain your original attitude on this question in view of the President’s reply to us.