863.20/12–2949: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom

top secret

4623.1 It is view this Govt that immediate action is required to prepare for Aust internal security in post-Treaty period. This action will include programming and shipment equipment required for Aust armed forces. Accordingly, London and Paris requested approach FonOff again with view obtaining ultimate firm UK and Fr agreement (Deptel 2587 to London; 2697 to Paris; 786 to Vienna2) to assume their share mutual responsibility for internal security Aust after effective date Treaty.

For ur own info, it is believed preferable that particular categories of arms and equipment for Aust army be furnished from single source in order avoid difficulties in maintenance, supply, and training. Tangible Brit and Fr assistance is desired, however, and it is believed that such assistance cld be rendered initially by transfer to Aust army suitable types supplies and equipment from Brit and Fr zones Aust.

Prior to asking Brit and Fr specifically to assume this joint responsibility, we wld like them to instruct their reps undertake conversations with US reps Wash with view reaching basic understandings as to who may be in position furnish particular categories equipment which understandings may subsequently be coordinated Vienna and made effective in Aust.

London requested also inform Brit of US concern status Brit planning Aust air force. On basis previous statements, we assume Brit prepared provide necessary air force equipment on grant basis to Aust and also supply on grant basis necessary ground and other supporting equipment for operation Aust air force. Emb shld suggest desirability [Page 1258] early indication. Brit views and proposed action this subject and that US be informed from time to time of progress made. In particular, it is considered essential USAF in Aust be kept currently informed on Brit planning for Aust air force on same basis Brit reps Vienna are kept informed US planning for Aust army.3

Acheson
  1. Repeated to Paris as 4973 and Vienna as 1790.
  2. Ante, p. 1246.
  3. In telegram 5481, December 30, from Paris, not printed, Bruce reported the Foreign Ministry to be in full accord with the principle of joint responsibility. Bonnet would be instructed to enter conversations along this line in Washington. With regard to the transfer of equipment, the Foreign Ministry pointed out that the small number of French troops in Austria offered very limited possibilities. (863.20/12–3049) Embassy London also reported assurances that the British Foreign Office would assume its share of the mutual responsibility for Austrian security and was sending appropriate instructions to its Embassy in Washington. The Foreign Office also stated that the British would provide the necessary air farce equipment and related support material. (Telegram 5183, December 31, from London, 863.20/12–3149).