863.014/5–746: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Political Adviser for Austria (Erhardt)
467. Following letter dated May 7 from President Truman to President Renner has been delivered to Kleinwaechter for transmission to Vienna:
“I have read with interest your kind letter to me of February 6, 19461 enclosing your memorandum on Austria, Europe and German-speaking South Tyrol.1
As you know, this question is now being discussed by the Council of Foreign Ministers in connection with the negotiation of the proposed treaty with Italy. It also will be considered in the writing of the treaty with the Federal Austrian Republic which the United States has proposed to the other Allied states.
I am sure you realize that many factors are involved in the South Tyrol question, and that a solution which is satisfactory to all concerned should be reached in order that this area may not in the future disturb the peace of Europe.
In view of the historical background of the South Tyrol question and the criticism which has been made of the Treaty of Saint Germain, I hope that the Federal Austrian Republic may present its case to the Council of Foreign Ministers,2 and that representatives of your government will be able to discuss this and other questions with the representatives of the Allied states responsible for the drafting of the post-war treaties.
I wish to take this opportunity to express to you my congratulations on the success you have already achieved in the liberation and reconstruction of your country, and to assure you that the Government of the United States will continue to seek the restoration of complete and sovereign independence to the Federal Austrian Republic.”
Kleinwaechter requests that foregoing text be communicated to President Renner. Original follows by air mail.
Sent to Vienna as 467; repeated to Paris as 2210, to Secdel as 218.