863.20/11–1648: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Austria
898. Fr Emb communication re planning for Aus police and army considers actual formation mobile gendarmerie force at this time violation Control Agreement. Action by western powers in creating security force might lead to formation rival gendarmerie in Sov zone. Fr state further that occupation forces can maintain internal order [Page 1376] and that no date has been set for withdrawal. Communication proposes that current discussions be continued but that date for establishment actual forces under present program be made subject governmental agreement and instructions to this effect be transmitted to US reps Vienna.
Fr will be told orally by Dept that continuation current discussions and planning is desirable in light forthcoming proposal for resumption Treaty negotiations. Reference will be made to previous tripartite discussions concerning desirability creating Aus security force capable fulfilling obligation now assumed by occupation troops. Recommendation will be made to Fr that any decision on question raised in communication be postponed pending resumption Treaty negotiations to enable formulation possible timetable for termination occupation. Dept will not agree that decision to create gendarmerie be made by four power agreement since such agreement is impossible. Raising question at this time will intensify Sov attacks on Aus leaders as well as provide substantive basis for creation rival Sov forces in eastern zone.
Dept presumes similar Fr communication sent Brit.