740.00119 Control (Austria)/8–2048: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
1016. Soviet rerouting telecommunications channels Deptel 697 August 121 puts them in position to sever communications between Vienna and US and British zones by cutting two cables and to monitor all calls between Vienna and zones, USFA headquarters here has standby radio facilities ready in case Soviets act.
Although language does not specifically refer to telecommunications, we believe words “other traffic” in Article Four (A) of control agreement are broad enough to apply and that Soviet action can be held to constitute violation of that article. Director General of Austrian Post and Telegraph protested by letter to Soviets and has received reply which Austrians now studying. It is contemplated Chancellor will submit question to AC but probably not until next month when we have chair. Whether or not Austrians present matter USFA expects to pursue it in AC, though there is of course little chance of obtaining satisfaction from Soviets.
- Not printed.↩