Department of Defense Files
The Department of the Army to the United States High Commissioner for Austria (Keyes)
routine
WAR 97100. ComGen USFA from CSGPO. Anticipate JOS will soon consider feasible steps leading toward but stopping short of [Page 1255] creation Austrian army in event Soviets refuse agree formation such army prior coming into force of treaty.
2. Accomplishment by US personnel of the following preparatory measures believed minimum essential if Austrian army of approximately twenty-eight thousand is to be mobilized, organized and equipped, and capable initiating training by termination of ninety day withdrawal period:
- a.
- Drafting appropriate military legislation to permit its immediate enactment by the Austrian Government.
- b.
- Preparation of German-text army regulations, field manuals, technical manuals, tables of organization and equipment, and plans, schedules, and directives concerning mobilization, organization and training.
- c.
- Organization of a skeleton defense ministry and army staff.
- d.
- Selection and designation of key Austrian personnel, and their covert indoctrination within the limits of security.
- e.
- Selection and preparation of reception and training centers, to include pre-stocking equipment under US control required for mobilization.
- f.
- Establishment of a skeleton mobilization and recruiting organization.
- g.
- Use of US personnel to staff initially the newly organized Austrian Defense Ministry, army headquarters and subordinate headquarters on a skeleton basis appears essential. Full use, however, should be made of such French and British assistance as is made available.
3. Desire your view concerning feasibility foregoing measures taking into consideration means available to you, extent to which they might be covertly taken, estimate of risk Soviet retaliation they entail. Also extent to which French and UK cooperation and personnel or other assistance should be sought, and probable reaction of Austrian government.