Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Germany and Austria, Volume II

740.00119 Control (Austria)/7–1748: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Legation in Austria

secret

Washington, July 17, 1948—3 p. m.

641. Sov note on Berlin¹ refers twice to Vienna and international agreements concerning Austria, linking Austria with Germany in justifying Sov blockade. We would appreciate your evaluation of these references and your analysis of possible basis for a blockade of Vienna. Although possible Sov action would undoubtedly be based on legal position and charge of violation of international agreements by western states, could such instances as Sov complaints reported in SO–15417 July 15² on air transport difficulties (P–2117 July 14²) be utilized by Sovs as cause for aggressive action?

If you consider Sov blockade likely, Dept requests your and Keyes’ recommendations for counter-action and for steps which might be taken to forestall or delay such a move.

Marshall

1. The Soviet note of July 14 is printed ante, p. 960.
2. Not found in Department files.
2. Not found in Department files.