740.00119 Control (Austria)/7–3045: Telegram
No. 764
The Ambassador in Italy
(
Kirk
) to the Acting Secretary of State
3125. Report from Gen. McCreery on political situation in Styria states Machold was informed of British wishes on July 24, immediately offered his resignation, agreed to form new Provisional Govt and undertook that it would not enter into relations of any sort with Renner Govt. Machold said he knew and admired Renner, found British Govt’s attitude natural, and had always maintained no central Austrian Govt could last or exercise real authority unless it enjoyed confidence of all four occupying powers. Machold also indicated that in his new govt he would reduce Communist representation as much as possible. Present equality between Social Democrats, People’s Party and Communists had been imposed by Russians. Machold was extremely friendly and created favorable impression. [Page 663] Other members of Provisional Govt duly offered collective resignation upon explanation of British policy.
In Carinthia parallel with above development, Dr. Piesch was asked to reform his Consultative Committee [as?] Provisional Govt of Carinthia. Provisional Govt formed on July 25 and consists of 4 Social Democrats, 3 People’s Party, 1 Carinthian Slovene (Dr. Tischler) and 1 Communist.