863.01/5–345: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—4:35 p.m.]
1453. There follows the text of a letter dated May 2 which I have just received from Vyshinski, as reported in a separate message concerning the organization of the Provisional Austrian Government:
“Acknowledging receipt of your notes of April 30 and May 1, I have to state that the Soviet armies fighting on Austrian territory against the German invaders cannot dispense with organizing on the liberated territory of Austria an administration of local persons. [Page 115] According to agreement among the leaders of all existing non-Fascist democratic parties in Austria, such an organization was created in the guise of the Provisional Austrian Government. It goes without saying that later on in conformity with the agreement between our Governments, there will be created on Austrian territory from representatives of the four Governments, an Allied Commission which will effect the necessary control over the Austrian Government.”