740.00119 Council/3–1848: Telegram

The United States Deputy for Austria at the Council of Foreign Ministers ( Reber ) to the Secretary of State

top secret

1125. Delsec 1642. From Reber. Today’s meeting Austrian deputies indicated, as previously foreseen, that Soviet [representative] prepared to make token concessions only for purpose of keeping discussions going. In tripartite meeting this afternoon, it was agreed no further concessions can be offered by US at this stage negotiations and that attempt should be made to proceed discuss other articles of treaty during which we would, as suggested in Vienna’s telegram 64, March 18,1 attempt to direct attention Austrian opinion to Soviet intransigeance on other clauses. This effort may well be blocked by Soviet [representative’s] refusal to consider other articles until further progress has been made in settlement German assets question. To this end he may be even prepared later to make some further token concessions in respect say of lump sum, possibly to reduce Soviet demands to 150 million, thereby rendering disagreement on this article alone more difficult for western powers.

These tactics on his part render decision concerning JCS recommendations (reDeptel 844, March 102) even more urgent.

Sent Department 1125; repeated Vienna 35 for Keyes and Erhardt Eyes Only.

[ Reber ]
  1. Not printed.
  2. Ante, p. 1474.