840.811/1–2346: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt)
85. Dept wishes to call attention to position which it requested its delegation in London to take with regard to Danube in satellite peace treaties. It has asked delegation to sponsor only a general statement that “navigation on rivers of international concern should be free and open on terms of entire equality to nationals, vessels of commerce and goods of all members of the United Nations.” Dept is specifically requesting London delegation not to confirm particular kind of Danube Commission either on temporary or permanent basis in peace treaties.
[Page 226]Dept does not believe it desirable to raise issue of permanent International Danube Administration at this time which would involve taking stand as between British and French position (non-riparian representation) on one hand, and Russian position (exclusively riparian representation) on other. To obtain recognition of freedom of navigation and non-discriminatory treatment principles by satellite and major nations would be best contribution that US could make.
Dept recognizes danger that general statement of principle in peace treaties, such as suggested above, will not of itself carry assurance of adequate implementation. It is hoped of course that adequate implementation can be effectuated through UNO.
While it is understood that urtel 118 Jan 25 applies to resumption of military traffic on Danube on temporary basis Dept wishes to be sure that issue of non-riparian representation on permanent regulatory commission is not prejudiced one way or other.
Sent to Vienna repeated to London for Dunn, Blaisdell and Russell.14
- Presumably Thomas C. Blaisdell, chief of the US mission for economic affairs in London, and Ruth B. Russell, economic analyst at the US Embassy in the United Kingdom.↩