740.00119 Control (Austria)/4–1246: Telegram
The United States Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 12—2:51 p.m.]
523. A remarkable change of Soviet attitude has occurred with return of Marshal Konev and General Zheltov to Vienna from Moscow where they have been for last few weeks for Soviet elections.
But it also appears likely though not yet certain that it reflects a definite change of policy in Moscow. Evidences of it have appeared in all divisions of AC. First indication of it even preceded return of Marshal, when to our surprise his substitute86 in AC unexpectedly declared Soviet willingness to discuss British draft of new control machinery agreement87 here.
It is also associated with impending anniversary of liberation of Vienna by Red Army. Soviet Commdr has for weeks shown great eagerness to make big celebration of this anniversary on April 13. He will have to handle it carefully to avoid reminding Austrians of harrowing features of that event and to avoid unfavorable Austrian reactions to present Russian military grip on country and attitude towards its economic rehabilitation one year after “liberation”.
Whatever the cause, the Soviet attitude towards Austrians themselves appears definitely to have changed at least for the present. For example after months of urging that Austrian Govt be sharply rebuked for inadequacy of its program when drafting committee finally laid letter to this effect on last exec committee table for signature by chairman Gen Zheltov, he suggested it be dropped. (Otherwise it would have gone to Austrian Govt over his signature on eve of celebration of Vienna’s liberation by Red Army.)
This new Soviet attitude towards the Austrians and western elements of AC will probably last throughout April chairmanship. We cannot foresee how much longer it will last or how fundamental it will be.
Sent Dept as 523; reptd Moscow as 28; London as 51 and Paris as 64.