740.00119 Control (Austria)/G–745: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—7:30 a.m.]
2523. Our 2512 of June 7, mid. [10 p.m.]. Winterton has reported to Chief of Staff at AFHQ that a most satisfactory meeting with Russians took place yesterday. Morosov has stated that Tolbukhin has agreed to permit all airfields referred to in our 2504 of June 1 [6], 9 p.m., to be inspected by missions except those under Malinovsky’s49 command east of Danube.
According to Winterton’s report Gen Flory stated he would not be satisfied unless all airfields could be inspected by AMET’s [sic] and Winterton supported this position and Morosov replied that in this event the matter would have to be referred back to Govt’s for right to inspect fields east of Danube.
Flory went on to say that occupation and control of Austria was to be set up on a basis of equality between four nations involved and that this problem could not be dealt with except on basis of equality. Morosov inquired whether up to present any obstacles had been placed before missions by Russians. Winterton replied in negative and added that on contrary missions were very pleased with freedom of movement and facilities which had been furnished by Russians in city of Vienna. He stated, however, that it seemed an unnecessarily complicated procedure to refer to govts a matter (airfield inspection) which could easily be resolved between Tolbukhin and Malinovksy. By implication Morosov agreed and said he would approach Tolbukhin. When Morosov took this attitude Flory and Tolbukhin [Winterton?] agreed to begin an inspection of airfields west of Danube. French Gen Cherriere could not be found and was not present until later on.
[Page 130]Winterton then went on to state that it would be necessary to inspect not only Vienna city but also the Gau. Morosov replied that he did not understand what this meant. There were 21 Bezirke in Vienna under old Austrian Govt and Nazis had expanded it to 26. He inquired what Winterton understood as Vienna. Flory and Winterton replied that they interpreted Vienna as including 26 Bezirke. Morosov asserted that the Soviets recognized only 21 Bezirke and that therefore this request for inspection rights outside city limits would have to be referred to Tolbukhin. Winterton argued that this was unnecessary from practical viewpoint. Missions merely wished to visit outside Vienna in order to estimate training facilities available and accommodations in case there should not be adequate space in Vienna.
Head of Brit mission also pointed out that permission to visit airdromes automatically gave opportunity to reconnoiter greater Vienna and that since no detailed reconnaissance was desired outside city he could see no reason why missions should be kept from visiting country around Vienna. Morosov agreed in general and said that in fact there were no control posts and really nothing to stop missions from going wherever they liked. He added, however, that he would have to discuss matter with Tolbukhin and then forthwith invited heads of missions to visit Vienna Woods.
Question of training facilities was then raised by Morosov who explained some of problems about cultivation, etc. Morosov added that he wished to know, at risk of being tactless, how many troops Brit contemplated having in Vienna. Winterton replied that rank and importance of Brit Commander in Chief in Austria would require a brigade group in area of Vienna. Flory and Cherriere made same estimates. Russians according to Morosov had few troops in Austrian capital as it was Russian policy to maintain in towns only sufficient soldiers to guard HQ and installations and to quarter larger groups outside in country. Winterton said Brit agreed with this fully and that this was reason why he wished to inspect area outside Austrian capital.
Morosov then set forth that on June 10 Tolbukhin would receive three heads of mission, would then entertain them at dinner and after dinner would bid them farewell. From June 11 therefore, work of missions would be considered as completed.
Winterton immediately stated to Morosov that his instructions were to remain in Vienna (our 2507, June 750) until Brit Govt ordered him to leave since Brit Govt might wish to prefer to him any points not covered in his report. Morosov said he would mention this to Tolbukhin before June 10. In any event Winterton has already made [Page 131] this point clear to Tolbukhin himself. In this connection, Dept is of course aware that neither Flory nor Cherriere have yet received instructions similar to Winterton’s on this point.
At AFHQ this evening we conferred with Chief of Staff who stated that SAC will insist that Winterton remain in Vienna but Gen Morgan pointed out that Alexander had not yet received approval from London on his action in this matter.
Repeated Moscow 174, Paris 163, London 192.
[For the message of June 8 from Mr. Harry L. Hopkins in Frankfurt to President Truman, regarding the relationship of the Austrian problem to question of withdrawal of Allied troops to assigned zones of occupation in Germany, see page 333.]