863.20/12–149: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Austria
1532.1 Legtel 1625 Nov 28.2 In obtaining recent US decisions on procedure to meet Aust security problem Dept assumed agreement existed in Vienna and West High Commissioners wld act in concert. Brit reaction Deptel 1481 Nov 233 and report Gruber’s views have been noted as presenting basic problems with regard implementation US policy. This problem will be considered after receipt Keyes’ views following his discussions with Béthouart and Galloway.
Pending receipt these views and formulation US position, we wld appreciate ur views, after consultation with Keyes, on procedure which wld not involve possible difficulties inherent in direct approach to Sovs on organization army at time signature of Treaty and at same time achieve objective of providing for effective Aust army. Ur views specifically requested on proposal that Aus at time it signs Treaty address separate communication to each of the four powers expressing Aus gratification upon conclusion of Treaty and at the same time making known its intention to take immediately such steps as may be appropriate to prepare for implementation of all Treaty provisions. Such action wld be justified in terms of imminent withdrawal occupation forces and Aus desire to assume its responsibilities under Treaty.
Communication of this character wld serve to put each of four powers on notice re Aust’s intentions and cld be referred to by Aust at later date if question arose concerning its actions re preparation for army. The proposed communication wld, of course, make no specific reference to plans for creation Aust army and, in contrast to direct request to Sov and possible Sov refusal to agree, wld have advantage of requiring no agreement or other action on the part of Sovs or other powers.