863.00/11–1445: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:12 p.m.]
451. Confidentially Gruber told us that when Renner visited Tyrol recently Béthouart told him Otto was in Innsbruck (he is living in hotel run by French) and endeavored sound out Renner on subject. Renner advised Béthouart to tell Otto to leave Austria. Conversation evidently became somewhat heated for Béthouart told Renner he was not his messenger boy.4
[Page 655]Today political Cabinet discussed matter and decided Otto must leave Austria at once. Gruber leaving for Innsbruck tomorrow with instructions for Landeshauptmann of Tyrol. Latter is to inform Otto that central govt in conformity with law of April 3, 1919 has decided that he must leave the country immediately. Otto will also be told that once outside he can publicly renounce claim to throne as provided for in that law. When he does so, Government will give further consideration to the question of his return to Austria.
Gruber saw Monicault4a today, told him the latest developments and asked his aid in getting Otto out.
Monicault promised to help.
Gruber said Govt much concerned about this turn of affairs and hopes matter can be settled quickly and quietly to avoid having it injected in the political campaign. He stated that if Landeshauptmann needed help he himself would see Otto in Innsbruck.
Sent Department as 451 repeated to Paris as 43.
- In telegram 360, October 19, from Vienna, Mr. Erhardt reported that at an Allied Council meeting General Béthouart had mentioned informally that Otto was in Austria, and added that General de Gaulle wanted him to inform the Allied Council and to permit Otto to remain in the French zone, but “not to support his cause beyond that”. (863.0011/10–1945)↩
- Louis de Monicault, French Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs.↩