740.00119 Council/3–1648: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Deputy for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers (Reber), at London

top secret

924. Ausdel 5. For Reber. With reference to JCS Recommendation (c),1 Dept realized likelihood of Sov objection but considered submission of proposal in Vienna ACC [ AC ] might be of tactical advantage as indication of US willingness to prepare necessary steps for treaty implementation. Sov rejection might also be of propaganda value to US. Subject to any reconsideration you may wish to give matter after further consultation with Brit and French, Dept prepared to leave the question in your hands on basis last para Delsec 1635,2 namely, that French would be willing to suggest early organization Austrian armed forces should treaty prospects improve.

As regards strengthening of Austrian police, gendarmerie, and customs guards in event of non-agreement on treaty, consider you should continue discussions with French and Brit. Such discussions should presumably lead to general agreement as to the size, organization and source of equipment for such forces. In this connection it has recently been reported by officer returning from Austria that the Brit at one [Page 1360] time had equipment earmarked and in Austria for police, gendarmerie, and customs guards for all four zones. If Brit have such a plan, and are in fact willing to furnish police equipment, it may be that some agreement could be readily reached among the three delegations now in London for three western zones only. Dept and Army here would wish to be consulted before final approval of any such plan.

Unless some easy solution such as above can be arranged it apparently will be necessary for High Commissioners in Austria to produce detailed plans so that requirements for equipment can be considered by the three powers. Army prepared to request Keyes to enter such discussions if you consider advisable at this time.

As you know, our ability to furnish any equipment strictly limited. Furthermore, statement of availability cannot be made until actual requirements are known.

Above represent State and Army views. Please pass to Colonel Parker.

Sent to London as 924; repeated to Vienna for info Keyes and Erhardt Eyes Only 242.

Marshall
  1. For the JCS recommendations see telegram 844, March 10, to London, p. 1474.
  2. Supra.