740.00119 Control (Austria)/8–645: Telegram
Mr. Alexander C. Kirk, United States Political Adviser on the Staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Mediterranean Theater, to the Secretary of State
[Received August 6—5 p.m.]
3210. General McCreery34 has reported to British War Office that he met with General Clark, General Béthouart,35 the political advisers, on August 3 at Verona.
They agreed on points to be included in agenda for first meeting of four Commanders in Chief. Though no firm suggestion for date of Commander in Chief’s meeting has yet been received from Koniev, the deputy commissioners hoped to discuss this agenda with their Russian colleague in Vienna August 4.
They agreed that, after settlement of questions of procedure, the chief point for discussion would be the setting up of a combined resources board to report on food and fuel situation in Austria in general and Vienna in particular, in time for consideration by four commanders 10 days later at their second meeting. They agreed that, pending consideration of this report and satisfactory agreement with Russians, they would neither assume responsibility for their respective sectors of Vienna nor agree to formal establishment of Kommandatura.
General Clark intends to bring up question of fraternization and the abolition of all existing restrictions. His object is to emphasize difference in treatment between Germany and Austria. Further, he wishes press to give publicity to this. General McCreery sees no objection but has impressed upon General Clark the mixed feelings over question of many wives in Great Britain and need for careful handling by press.
- Lt. Gen. Sir Richard L. McCreery, Commanding General, British Forces of Occupation in Austria, British Military Commissioner for Austria, and British Member of the Allied Council for Austria.↩
- Général d’Armée Marie Emile Béthouart, Commanding General, French Forces in Austria, French Military Commissioner for Austria, and French Member of the Allied Council for Austria.↩