Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The British Commonwealth, Western and Central Europe, Volume V

863.00/3–346: Telegram

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

secret

Washington, April 5, 1946—4 p.m.

347. Austrian view concerning local elections⁷⁹ considered by Dept not necessarily consistent with result or conduct of national elections in Nov. In view recognition Austrian Govt and support given by US to Austrian constitutional requirements and traditions Dept considers local elections should be held uniformly in four zones occupation as soon as practicable. Reluctance Austrian Govt to hold elections now may contribute to hard Soviet policy and to Soviet view that Austrian Govt is reluctant to build democratic institutions and practices. Before making definite recommendations, however, Dept would appreciate your comments on possible pattern of local elections and evaluation of following questions:

1. Would fair elections be held in Soviet zone in view greater chance of intimidation on local basis than was possible in national elections?

2. Would proposal for system of inter-Allied observers in all four zones to assure fair elections be accepted?

Dept does not consider as desirable any weakening of present Govt as recognized by four powers but does not wish to put US in position of postponing local elections in order to maintain present Govt which may or may not be supported by majority of Austrian people.

Prior to any decision on local elections Dept considers as desirable action in American zone to transfer administrative authority from MG to local Austrian administration as soon as possible and to a degree consistent with military security. Recommendation transmitted to War Department that transfer should be made in all aspects, from Kreis to Land level, in manner to be determined by local military authorities. Inquiry sent by War Department to Gen Clark concerning status MG in relation to local administrative bodies and requesting his views on early transfer of authority. Dept considers such move necessary to the steps to create complete Austrian independence and urges that transfer be made in US zone as soon as possible.⁸⁰

Byrnes

79. In telegram 315, March 3, from Vienna, Mr. Erhardt reported that “Figl [Austrian Chancellor] and Weber expressed opinion that in view of Communist defeat in November voters in Soviet zone might be intimidated to point where large percentage would stay away from polls or vote Leftist under duress thereby making free and fair election unlikely in Soviet zone. They claim in any event local elections now would not give fair picture and are strongly against any idea holding such elections only in western zones … Figl does not think local elections can be held in 1946. … Observers here feel Figl and Weber really fear Socialists might win local elections now and if so, they could use victory to call for new national elections. Figl reported to believe Peoples Party loss in prestige due to denazification measures and other difficulties and he hopes to hold off local elections until he can proceed with some counterbalancing steps such as amnesty for little Nazis and implementation nationalization program.” (863.00/3–346)
80. In telegram 522, April 12, 1946, Erhardt pointed out that the Russians had not interfered directly during the November elections, though they had the means to exert pressure indirectly. “Quadripartite observers throughout all zones would be neither acceptable nor practicable, but general quadripartite supervision from Vienna, as in November … should be acceptable, practicable and effective if accompanied by usual Austrian precautions, including three-party boards.” (863.00/4–1246)