740.0011 EW (Peace)/9–2548: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
1102. Following conversation relating to Austrian treaty took place September 23 between Gruber and Soviet Political Representative Koptelov.
Koptelov protested against anti-Soviet attitude of Austrian press, particularly leading papers of two coalition parties. Gruber replied that freedom of press guaranteed and that if Austrian people hostile to Soviets cause is policy pursued by latter. Koptelov on contrary ascribed this attitude to incitement by small group.
Gruber declared this View serious miscalculation pointing out Soviets had demanded destruction Austrian national integrity, had seized Austrian property under guise German assets and had openly supported Communist Party in declared aim to destroy Austrian political system. When Koptelov denied Soviets demanded destruction Austrian integrity, Gruber referred statements made by Koktomov in London.1 Koptelov countered that negotiations broken off by Western Powers although Soviets had stated readiness to examine all proposals, Gruber declared in order to ascertain definitely Soviet views, he had addressed note to Soviets (see Legtel 709, June 42) but no reply has been received. Koptelov stated note would receive an answer as soon as negotiations resumed.
Gruber expressed view negotiations could be resumed as soon as Soviet Union declared change in Austrian frontiers not sine qua non for her agreement to treaty. As Koptelov insisted Soviets had never declared this was sine qua non Gruber referred again to Koktomov’s statement, which however Koptelov refused to admit.
Koptelov declared initiative for reopening treaty talks must come from Western Powers because of Soviet Union had already made an important concession for continuation negotiations. Gruber said Austria could not be expected to ask Western Powers to reopen negotiations if that meant renunciation of Austria’s present frontiers, an issue on which all Austrian parties including Communists are united. Should Soviets answer Austrian note favorably Gruber would immediately request Western Powers to reopen negotiations.
Conversation broke off with agreement to resume next week after statements of Soviet Representative at London had been verified. (Gruber will confront Koptelov with categorical statements made by [Page 1508] Koktomov in reply to questions of Reber, Marjoribanks at final session of deputies in London.)
Sent Department 1102; repeated London 188, Paris 143.