740.00119 Council/2–1249: Telegram

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

secret   us urgent

545. Delaus 12. From Rber. Bebler called this morning outwardly in very conciliatory spirit. He has sent note1 secretariat that Yugoslavia [Page 1074] is prepared to collaborate to best of ability in seeking treaty solution and he is at disposal of deputies for this purpose.

He stated he had no definite proposals to put forward at this time, in fact was hesitant to do so if it seemed unlikely any treaty could be concluded. On the other hand he expressed personal opinion that solution Carinthian problem might be found if Yugoslavia were given title to two Drava river power plants which, although he was not explicit on this subject, would undoubtedly include claim to territory adjoining, a strip of some ten miles deep. Also some degree of autonomy should be assured Slovene minorities in southern Carinthia possibly through division of Carinthia into two Laender. He said this would not involve any special regime but that southern Carinthia would become Land under Austrian constitution having same status as other federal states. Without giving positive assurance he furthermore indicated if Yugoslav title to the power plants were recognized its claim for reparations would be dropped as he agreed reparations at this stage were no longer realities.

He is not at this time making any request to be heard by deputies, in fact would prefer not be asked for expression of views re any single article and would like to reserve his appearance before deputies until he could present views on treaty as a whole, probably after present first reading concluded.

I explained that as he knew US was opposed to any territorial adjustments but that I would naturally give his suggestions most careful consideration and hoped we could further explore these suggestions next week. I shall endeavor to ascertain from British and French nature of proposals put to them soon as possible and subsequently submit more considered suggestions. I have impression Bebler’s proposal represents first bargaining position and he may be disposed make adjustments.2

No mention of foregoing will be made to Gruber. I recommend Austria not be informed of Yugoslav views at this stage.3

Sent Department 545, repeated Belgrade 8, Vienna 15.

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Reber
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  1. Not printed.
  2. In Delaus 7, February 9, from London, not printed, Reber bad reported a similar approach by the Yugoslav Ambassador to Bevin. The British Foreign Secretary had reiterated his Government’s commitment to the reestablishment of Austria’s 1938 frontiers, but agreed that some economic arrangements such as hydroelectric facilities might be considered if Yugoslavia had a proposal of that nature to make. (740.00119 Council/2–949)
  3. Legation Vienna reported in telegram 120, February 14, not printed, that it considered Bebler’s proposals a retreat from the former Yugoslav demands but equally unacceptable to Austria, although they might provide a basis for negotiation. (740.00119 Council/2–1449)