Vienna Legation Files: Lot 54F57: Box 565: Telegram
The Chargé in Austria (Yost) to the Secretary of State
urgent
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485. From Keyes and Yost. We strongly endorse proposed joint approach to Moscow concerning Berlin and Vienna situation (Department’s 345 April 141). We consider approach should be made at earliest possible moment in hope that it may prevent Soviets from imposing further restrictive measures which, once taken, they might find difficult to withdraw.
Our only suggestions re text of communication aré following: (1) that in view of increasing Soviet pressure here, Vienna be associated with Berlin in opening sentence and throughout text wherever appropriate, rather than being mentioned only in penultimate paragraph; (2) that a new penultimate paragraph be added referring to guarantee contained in 1945 EAC Agreement of “free and unimpeded access” from Vienna to Allied airdromes at Tulln and Schwechat, since separation of these airdromes from Vienna zones of occupation represents vital communications factor which does not obtain in Berlin. Recently imposed Soviet restriction on traffic to and from these airdromes emphasizes importance of our dealing with this point immediately.
Sent Department 485, repeated Berlin 31, Moscow 13. [Keyes and Yost.]