740.00119 Council/5–549: Telegram

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

secret
us urgent

1758. Delau 115. From Reber. At meeting with French and British this afternoon Berthelot and I argued importance of fixing definite date for reconvening deputies. Marjoribanks agreed submit the following formula to Bevin for his approval tonight or early tomorrow:

“In view of the decision to convoke the CFM on the 23rd May the deputies for the Austrian treaty have suspended discussions in order to report to their respective Ministers but will resume them on June 25. In the meanwhile they will be at the disposition of the Ministers and will hold themselves in readiness to meet at any other date that the latter may decide”.1

[Page 1093]

It appeared that the British in addition to concern expressed yesterday2 feared establishment of definite date for resumption of deputies was intended serve as pretext to avoid discussion of Austrian treaty by Ministers. Berthelot and I both stated that this was not case and did not imply any intention to bar Austria from consideration by Ministers if situation in Paris proved favorable. We did not however wish Austrian issue to be linked with possible negative outcome of CFM.

Date of June 25 was selected as compromise and would appear to give ample time for Ministers to conclude their meetings especially as Bevin has told the French Ambassador he did not think CFM should last beyond June 15.

Sent Department 1758, repeated Vienna 108.

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Reber
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  1. Bevin subsequently agreed to this text and it was tabled by Reber at the 162nd meeting of the deputies May 6. Zarubin argued briefly that the deputies should continue to meet for the discussion of articles of secondary importance, but then acquiesced in the proposed suspension, subject to agreement through diplomatic channels on the date of resumption. Telegram 1774 (Delaus 117), May 6, from London, not printed (740.00119 Council/5–649). At their last meeting before the Council of Foreign Ministers, May 10, the deputies agreed to suspend their discussions and resume them not later than June 27, 1949. (CFM Files: Lot M–88: Box 114: Document C.F.M./D/L/49/A/163rd Meeting)
  2. In telegram 1742 (Delaus 114), May 4, from London, not printed, Reber reported the British feeling that an adjournment until July 1 was too long and might be interpreted to indicate the duration of the sessions of the Council of Foreign Ministers. (740.00119 Council/5–449)