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

863.00/12–2145: Telegram

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

Vienna, December 21, 1945—8 p.m.
[Received December 22—11 a.m.]

609. In speech today before Nationalrat in presence of Bundes-praesident Renner⁶⁵ and representatives four Allied commanders Chancellor Figl elaborated his Govt’s program which had previously been submitted Allied Council and three political parties. Speech marked by diplomatic references Allied aid and cooperation in reestablishing Austrian freedom and independence. Figl repeatedly and forcefully appealed Allies solve Austria’s two urgentest problems: compartmentalization Austria into four zones occupation with rigid demarcation lines halting flow of food and general problem reconstruction especially need for supplies food and coal over coming winter. Govt’s position on importantest issues may be summarized:

(1) “Concentration” govt: Figl convinced on basis own experience under Nazi terror every group voters has right govt representation in proportion numbers and be correspondingly responsible. Figl also believes Allies approve this viewpoint.

(2) Austrian Unification. Uniform administration and legislation must be restored. Indispensable prerequisite therefor is abolition demarcation lines.

(3) Denazification. Nazis must be removed from all positions in govt and administration but we won’t make martyrs of little Nazis. Will concentrate on war criminals, party functionaries and those persons supporting Nazi party even though not nominally members.

(4) Reorganization Police. Police must be removed from field politics becoming servant state to guard democratic development Austria.

(5) Reeducation Youth. Government will dedicate itself reeducate youth in traditions European democratic culture attempting eradicate all traces Nazi indoctrination.

(6) Food Supply. Austria will make every effort exploit own resources for benefit entire country but Austria unable solve problem alone and grateful Allies for their UNRRA appeal.

(7) Fuel Problem. Austrian Govt will make every effort provide fuel for coming winter with Allied aid. Special children’s aid program including evacuation, extra rations and appeals for foreign aid instituted immediately after Christmas.

(8) Social Legislation. Govt will attempt restore model social legislation which made Austria world famous setting goals of social justice, adequate wages, sanitary working conditions, old age pensions and security. Attempt will be made compensate for social welfare organizations destroyed by Nazis.

(9) Economic Planning. Govt will attempt reintegrate Austrian economy offering overall plan for rehabilitation traditional pre-Nazi Austrian industries and handicrafts.

(10) Currency Conversion. New schilling law only first step on road currency stabilization. Further measures will regulate currency so rich and poor equally treated.

(11) Land Reform. Govt will return land which Nazis expropriated for military purposes to agriculture and will greatly endeavor increase agricultural production.

(12) Reconstruction. Special efforts projected rehabilitate Austria’s luxury trade in fashions, leather goods, artistic handiwork, glassware, ceramics and other native arts.

(13) Nationalization Industry. Govt interprets peoples mandate to favor retention private initiative, private property and just recompense. It will nationalize certain key industries if public interest so warrants.

(14) Housing. Govt will attempt institute housing program soonest feasible. In meantime those whose dwellings undamaged must share with less fortunate.

(15) Return War Prisioners. Govt gratefully acknowledges distinction Allies drawn between Germans and Austrians in Wehrmacht and will make special efforts rehabilitate return war prisoners removing stigma having fought for Nazis and provide adequate help for them and victims concentration camps.

(16) Foreign Relations. Govt recognizes Austria traditionally oriented westward but also forms gateway to east. Austria will endeavor maintain good relations with all peaceful nations especially Four Allied Powers and integrate herself closely with Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia. Austria will request United Nations membership near future.

(17) Return of Territories. Govt will support popular demand for reincorporation South Tyrol and resist any attempt change present and plebiscite endorsed boundaries Carinthia.

Chancellor unpromised Austrian people anything for near future except cares, worries and hard work but expressed hope next Christmas might see them on road recovery.

Erhardt

65. The Nationalrat and Bundesrat met for the first time on December 19. The following day, the two houses met together and elected Dr. Renner President of the Republic.