840.811/7–1548: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
secret
Vienna, July 15,
1948—3 p. m.
907. In connection with Danube Conference following are Austrian government’s views on questions raised in second paragraph Deptel 585 July 2:1
- (1)
- Austria accepts invitation to conference on consultative basis. Orsini-Rosenberg, Austrian Minister to Bulgaria, designated to lead delegation. He is now in Vienna and hopes for discussion with USDel here before proceeding Belgrade.
- (2)
- Austrian delegation will probably reserve position in view Austria’s inability to participate on equal basis. However, in event convention is acceptable Austria most probably will adhere although adherence might take place at later date.
- (3)
- If agreement impossible in Belgrade or convention not acceptable, Austrian Government would reserve its position. Would entertain projects such as upper fluvial commission only after termination of military occupation.
In general Austria will naturally seek broadest possible basis for internationalization of Danube to avoid Austria later being outvoted [Page 626] by satellites. Orsini-Rosenberg has indicated he expects maintain close contact with USDel and assumes Austrian and US interests will run completely parallel.
Erhardt
- Not printed.↩