740.00119 Control (Austria)/7–1945: Telegram

No. 774
The Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs ( Erhardt ) to the Acting Secretary of State 1
secret
us urgent

118. Dept should see telegram to AGWar for JCS signed Clark sent 1250 o’clock July 18, Jcs [ Sgs ] 6342 reporting on visit of Gruenther Winterton and Cherriére to Vienna July 16 to 17. Upshot is that Petrov, Chief of Staff for Koniev[,] met with Allied representatives in cordial atmosphere but explained that EAC agreements have not yet been ratified and that it would be impossible for reconnaissance detachments to enter Vienna until specific instructions were received [Page 671] from Moscow. One technical discussion was held dealing with communications et cetera. When question of food supply for Vienna was raised, Petrov replied it was [too] complicated to discuss at present. In a specialists meeting a Russian [staff officer stated that it would probably be necessary to pool Austrian3] food resources in order provide for Vienna, and also that under surrender terms no food was to be brought in for Austrians. Gruenther [and] Winterton consider reasonable progress was made. Cherriére displeased by Soviet obstructionism. Petrov told Allied representatives they will be invited to another meeting as soon as EAC agreements are ratified and all matters will then be settled to their satisfaction.

I am keeping in contact with British Political adviser4 while awaiting entry into Vienna.

Rptd to Moscow as 11.

Erhardt
  1. The gist of this message was included in telegram No. 80 of July 20 from Grew to Byrnes (file No. 800.00 Summaries/7–2045).
  2. Not printed.
  3. The words in brackets have been supplied from telegram Sgs 634 (Department of the Army Files) to clarify an omission at this point in the message here printed.
  4. William H. B. Mack.