740.00119 Council/10–649

Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of State

top secret

Meeting With the President, Thursday, October 6

austrian treaty

I reported to the President the following telephone message from Secretary Acheson with respect to the meetings in New York on the Austrian Treaty:1

First, that the meeting this morning had been very disappointing, that Vishinsky had made a few concessions which numerically seemed important but which were really of no substance. That such concessions as he made were on matters on which we ourselves would have been willing to give way. That on the principal things Vishinsky did not budge. That this presented us with a number of very serious questions which would require a careful survey, bringing in all related agencies of the Government, and moving ultimately into the NSC. That as the Executive Branch position crystallized, consultations should be held with the Congressional leaders, who should be brought in far enough ahead to assume part of the responsibility for such actions as are to be taken. That the deputies will meet again on Monday and continue for about two weeks, mainly working on changes in phraseology and such items. That it was important no indication be given of our disappointment at the rate of progress, since this might have an adverse effect on the Austrian elections.2

The President agreed with the views expressed by Secretary Acheson and felt that a very careful survey should be made.

James E. Webb
  1. For a report on this meeting, see Delau 313, supra.
  2. For documentation relating to the Austrian national elections, October 9, see pp. 1206 ff.