740.00119 Council/2–1448: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
secret
Washington, February
14, 1948—noon.
502. For USDel. Following suggested to representatives Brit and French Embs here as subjects US believes desirable to consider in tripartite discussions on German assets question prior to initial session Deputies for Austria: [Page 1463]
- 1.
- Whether Brit and French are prepared to go ahead with French proposal as basis of settlement with Soviets on German assets question?
- 2.
- If it appears final settlement can be reached, what are maximum percentage concessions which Brit and French would make in effecting compromise falling somewhere between French proposal and Soviet proposal with reference to: (a) oil production; (b) oil exploration rights; (c) refining capacity, and (d) DDSG?
- 3.
- Qualifications concerning oil to ensure largest measure Austrian sovereignty and to limit Soviet economic influence in Austria: (a) duration of concessions for exploration and production; (b) extent of immunity from nationalization of Soviet oil properties; (c) conditions under which Soviet Union may remove exportable production with provision for satisfaction of Austria’s domestic requirements.
- 4.
- Redemption obligations: (a) maximum amount; (b) period over which redemption can be spread; (c) optional arrangements as to form of payment, including payments in currency, in kind, and in value added to non-indigenous raw materials; (d) initial moratorium period.
Marshall