Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, European Advisory Commission, Austria, Germany, Volume III

740.00119 Control (Germany)/12–1845

The United States Political Adviser for Austrian Affairs (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State

No. 621

Vienna, December 18, 1945.
[Received January 5, 1946.]

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a document⁶² prepared by Lt. Col. Edwin M. J. Kretzmann, G–2 of USFA, describing in detail events between December 11 and 14, 1945, during which time Chancellor-Designate Fig1 agreed to replace three out of the four members of his proposed government to whom the Russians had indicated objections.⁶³

The memorandum speaks for itself but particular attention is invited to the initiative taken by General Mark W. Clark in persuading Chancellor-Designate Figl to make changes in the government in order that four-power approval might be issued when the matter came before the Allied Council. In our opinion, General Clark’s handling of the behind-the-scenes negotiations is largely responsible for obtaining prompt recognition of the reorganized government. On the other hand, “Allied” insistence on the replacement, particularly of Raab, Figl’s personal friend and one of the founders of the People’s Party, caused much dissatisfaction in People’s Party circles. This resentment, however, was almost exclusively directed toward the Russians. In criticizing “Allied” dictation, party leaders stressed two points: (1) Such interference is incompatible with Austria’s status as a liberated country; (2) it is a violation of democratic principles to deny places in the government to persons enjoying the confidence of the electorate as certified by their election to the Nationalrat. Incensed by the “Allied” attitude, some of the more recalcitrant elements of the People’s Party favored refusing to form a government, but the dissidents were persuaded by majority opinion within the party leadership, which pointed out that such a refusal could logically lead only to the establishment of a wholly military government. This resentment, which was fairly lively in the course of the negotiations appears now to be dissipating.

Respectfully yours,

For the Political Adviser:

Cecil W. Gray

Counselor of Mission

62. Not printed.
63. The Russian element in the Allied Council objected to the inclusion of Ferdinand Graf, Andreas Korp, Vinzenz Schumy, and Julius Raab in Chancellor-Designate Figl’s proposed government. After discussions between General Clark, Mr. Figl, and the Russian element, Korp, Schumy, and Raab were replaced and the revised Cabinet was approved by the Executive Committee of the Allied Council on December 14.