863.00/11–2945: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs (Erhardt)
329. Both results and conduct of Austrian elections are regarded as important steps in European reconstruction, particularly in view of your reports on freedom of balloting and orderly elections (reurtels 494, Nov. 27; 497, Nov. 28; 498, Nov. 27; 500, Nov. 28; 501, Nov. 28 and 507, Nov. 29).39 Little info is available here about Figl. Dept would appreciate your evaluation and any info on his career and political outlook.
Probable reorganization of govt by Volkspartei may raise questions re future of Austria. If Volkspartei control is assured and new govt formed under Figl, Dept recommends that you, with the approval of General Clark, suggest, in your discretion, to party leaders that coalition govt should be maintained, at least until end of military occupation and Communist representation should be retained in cabinet in order to facilitate good relationships among four powers and to avoid impression that Volkspartei victory automatically means anti-Soviet or anti-Communist policy. Abolition of system of under secretaries in each ministry (urtel 477, Nov. 2440) is desirable from point of view of administrative efficiency provided three parties continue to be represented in cabinet.
Dept does not consider that reorganization of govt should follow usual practice of party victory or that Social Democrats should refuse to collaborate with Volkspartei. In best interests of Austrian independence, reorganization of govt should be based on unique international position of Austria and desirability of maintaining four power interest in Austrian independence. Similarly, it is hoped if Volkspartei reorganizes govt that Renner will be made President, unless he is given some other responsible post, in order to provide continuity with Provisional Govt, although it is hoped that his new office will not decrease his influence in public affairs.
[Page 675]On basis of many reports, Dept supports suggestion of Figl that Ernst Fischer be retained in cabinet and regards elections as excellent opportunity for ending Communist control in Ministry of Interior. Do you consider that police force can be reorganized to support recommendations for reduction of occupation forces contained in Deptel 299, Nov. 26?
Details reported in urtel 445, Nov. 12, concerning composition of ministries also raise question involving future Austrian policy and creation of conditions under which US can propose or agree to major changes in four power controls. Dept considers that traditional Volkspartei policy with regard to relationships with USSR and attitude toward question of “Austro-Fascism” may complicate modification of four power controls by bringing change in Soviet policy towards Austria. Since objective of reduction of number of occupation troops and ultimate liquidation of Allied controls involves four-power agreement, Dept hopes that reorganization of govt and its future policy will facilitate four-power cooperation.