Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Council of Foreign Ministers; Germany and Austria, Volume III

740.00119 Control (Austria)/6–1649: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the United States Delegation at the Council of Foreign Ministers

top secret
us urgent

Washington, June 16, 1949—3 p.m.

Secdel 1692. Joint Chiefs of Staff request transmission fol views on conclusion Aust Treaty:¹

Basic views in JCS memo Jan 28² reaffirmed concerning necessity of providing adequate security forces in Aust prior to withdrawal occupation forces. After reviewing plans for equipping gendarmerie regiment and present situation re mil assistance program JCS conclude that if Treaty is arranged at current mtg CFM it will be impossible for Aust to have adequate security forces prior to withdrawal occupation forces within 90 days after Treaty comes into effect. From strategic point of view withdrawal occupation forces prior to creation adequate Aust forces would create mil vacuum in which Communists may be expected to attempt seizure of power. Therefore, JCS recommend that withdrawal occupation forces not be completed until such time when adequate Aust forces can assume security responsibilities. JCS recommend discussion during Treaty negots of provision for gradual reduction occupation forces to be taken only in relation with Aust ability to organize, train and equip security forces.

JCS and NME consider Treaty shld become effective only after US is assured Aust forces are adequate to perform all tasks envisaged in Treaty.

Foregoing summary of JCS and NME views was made by Dept. Full text of NME communication fols by air pouch.

Webb

1. For documentation relating to the discussion of the Austrian Treaty at the Sixth Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers, see pp. 913 ff.
2. Not printed; the record copy in JCS files is dated January 31. The Joint Chiefs of Staff reaffirmed their views in a memorandum of June 8 to the Secretary of Defense.