Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Austria)/7–2345: Telegram

No. 780
The Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs (Erhardt) to the Acting Secretary of State¹

secret

Verona, July 23, 1945—2 p.m.

126. July 21 Koniev sent letter to United States, British, and French commanders stating he had been instructed facilitate occupation of various sectors Vienna by our forces. Gruenther, Winterton and Cherrière invited to Vienna meeting 1 p.m., July 24, to settle problems discussed at July 16 conference re taking over and they have accepted. US reconnaissance party moving to Vienna July 22 and July 24.

Soviet began evacuating Styria July 22 but were not quite ready to move into Upper Austria north of Danube. Soviet Genl who went to Linz for preliminary arrangements was reported as most cooperative.

Erhardt

1. The gist of this message was included in telegram No. 126 of July 25 from Grew to Byrnes (file No. 800.00 Summaries/7–2545).