863.01/5–545: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 5—11 a.m.]
1477. French Ambassador27 spoke 2 or 3 days ago with Dekanozov28 concerning establishment of the Renner Government in Austria. He expressed his Government’s dissatisfaction with the unilateral action which had been taken by the Soviet authorities and refused to accept as valid Dekanozov’s excuses that the Soviet authorities found need of a local administration and of an immediate demonstration of Austrian independence. He pointed out that it would have been quite possible to establish a local administration without establishing a provisional government. He invited attention to the implications which would arise if the authority of Renner Government were not to be recognized in the other zones of occupation in Austria. The Ambassador has stressed to his Government the importance of the maintenance of the principle of collective Allied responsibility in Austria and Central Europe and has urged that a firm line be taken.