740.00119 Control (Austria)/6–1645: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser on Austrian, Affairs (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 16—10:25 p.m.]
2646. As stated in my cablegram yesterday Gen Flory reported to Gen McNarney at Caserta today his recommendations in zoning Vienna and later in the day at a meeting presided by Gen Lemnitzer67 with Gens Gruenther,68 Flory, Winterton and Cherriere present, the subject was discussed. Col. Thayer and I attended meeting at which other Allied groups were liberally represented.
It was informally accepted that prior to actual physical subdivision of area, the adherence of the several Allied govts concerned should be obtained to principle providing for the sharing of facilities which cannot conveniently be divided physically. These principles are:
- 1.
- Free and unrestricted transit rights through and above all zones in Vienna and its environs should be granted to each of the occupying powers. In the case of highways leading to airports outside the zones of the occupants of the airports concerned, and training areas outside the city limits, these should be internationally controlled, patrolled and maintained.
- 2.
- Public buildings and office space within the Innere Stadt should generally be left for permanent Austrian Govt ministries and agencies which would normally use them. Other facilities, particularly hotels and restaurants in the Innere Stadt, should be equitably divided between the occupying forces by international town command.
- 3.
- Adequate training and recreation areas beyond city limits should be provided by mutual arrangements between commanding generals concerned. At the commencement Gen Cherriere in behalf of France refused categorically to accept districts 3 and 11, as proposed in the EAC on April 23. After a good deal of give and take and on the basis of equality, the respective generals agreed to recommend to their Chiefs of Staff the following:
For France districts 6, 14, 15, 16, and in district 13 certain accommodations are to be arranged between French and British. For Britain districts 3, 11, 5, 12 and in district 13 accommodations for the French to be arranged between them.
For the US districts 7, 8, 9, 17, 18 and 19.
It was assumed that Soviets would occupy districts 2, 4, 10, 20 and 21.
In respect to airports the three Gens were in accord that again bearing in mind the principle of equality, each Allied power should [Page 145] have for its exclusive use and operation an airport and facilities as follows:
France Götzendorf
Britain Schwechat.
US Tulln. Until Götzendorf and Schwechat are in usable condition, the US will permit French and Brit to utilize Tulln on a larger basis. Brit have proposed that French and Brit agree to utilize Gotzendorf and Schwechat as joint occupants on a reciprocal basis. When Schwechat is ready Brit expect French to utilize that airport until Gotzendorf is available.
Gen Flory learned when in Vienna that the Austrian authorities do not wish to extend the city to the Gau limit until city of Vienna itself has been rehabilitated. However, on question of whether or not zones should comprise the Gau or city limits, Gen Flory believes that its solution should ultimately be based on decision of Austrian administration itself as to whether or not it wishes to expand municipality and to provide for an affirmative decision. The zones boundaries should be drawn to Gau limits on understanding that unless or until Austrians expand city, the outer limits of the zone should and will be pre-1938 boundary of Vienna.
However, Gen Winterton will propose to his Chiefs of Staff that since Soviets, in occupying districts 4 and 10 are causing a certain inconvenience, in compensation therefor the Brit should ask for district 25.
This afternoon Gen Winterton remarked that he will be in London at request of Brit Chiefs of Staff when the zones come up for discussion before the EAC. Before he left for Paris Gen Cherriere remarked that he will next proceed to London to be available to the EAC. It is therefore recommended that Amb Winant request presence of Gen Flory, head of our military mission to Vienna and of Gen Snavely,69 our Air Corps representative in Gen Flory’s mission.
The Dept will be advised of date and number of Gen Flory’s message to the Chiefs of Staff, which will probably be transmitted tomorrow.
Rptd to London as 200.