863.01/4–2645: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 26—5 p.m.]
1364. ReEmbs 1361 to Department and Embassy’s 65 to Caserta for Erhardt.79 With respect to Soviet communication about formation of provisional government hi Austria by Renner, the Department [Page 96] will note that most of the Austrian left wing elements were concentrated in the Vienna District and of the non-left wing elements there a very large proportion presumably fled out of apprehension over what might happen to them after the entry of the Red Army at the hands not only of the Russian forces but also of Austrian Partisans and Communist elements. It is not to be supposed therefore that many former parliamentary Deputies could be found in the Vienna area today other than those of a radical left wing persuasion. This is further supported by Vyshinski’s own statement that the entire male population has been deported. Thus regardless of the extent to which Renner’s name and age might inspire respect in Austrian circles it is not likely that he would be able to mobilize under existing conditions anything resembling a representative Austrian government in the territory liberated by the Red Army.
Vyshinski’s statement that the entire male population and a considerable part of the female population of the Soviet occupied area have been driven off by the Germans is the first information of any sort this Embassy has had from Soviet authorities on conditions in Austria.