Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, Central and Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

663.001/1–1050: Telegram

The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State

secret

Vienna, January 10, 1950—9 p. m.

36. Legtel 29, January 9.¹ Gruber² says that his and Figl’s weekend interview with Zheltov³ was most unpleasant of recent series, in each of which increasingly unfriendly atmosphere prevailed. Possible resumption of 48 bis negotiations was dismissed by Zheltov with remark he had been too busy to do much about matter, and conversation turned to other subjects which he obviously preferred to discuss.

In telling us of interview, Gruber carefully refrained from drawing conclusion that Soviets do not want treaty, but tenor of his remarks nevertheless indicates he now has scant hope of early agreement. He says dilatory attitude on 48 bis negotiations may be nothing more than attempt influence Austrians to come forward with more favorable offer, but is inclined to connect tougher Soviet attitude in Austria (Legtel 1736 December 19⁴) with Moscow’s harsher tone toward Finland,⁵ and says he, therefore, fears renewed Soviet pressure on Austrian people, although he admits he does not yet see either motive or manner of such pressure. He believes recrudescense of lawlessness in Soviet zone, unfriendliness to Austrian officials (Zheltov, he says, was for first time uncivil to Figl) and propaganda blasts in connection AC discussions neo-Nazism and war criminals are intended frighten Austrian populace, and feels is important that Austrian Government refrain from any action which might disturb public opinion and thus assist Soviets toward this objective. For this reason, he hopes London conversations will not completely bog down, and says Austrian Government will for present avoid any public display of impatience regarding delays in negotiations.

Regarding conversation with Zheltov, Gruber believes following may be significant:

1. In reply to Figl’s general remarks about new year and peace, Zheltov commented 1950 was “crucial year” (changed by interpreter to “important year”) and said recent Cominform actions had ensured year of peace. (Gruber wonders if this meant more militant struggle by Western Communists).

2. Zheltov’s renewed insistence on surrender of Gendarme Lechner (Legation’s 1735 December 19⁶). “Have you sold out completely to Americans,” he demanded.

3. Zheltov’s angry reproaches that Austrian Government was protecting war criminals, and his intimation that Soviets might have to hunt them out themselves.⁷

Sent Department 36; repeated London (for USDel 5, Paris 4. Department pass Moscow 3.

Erhardt

1. Not printed.
2. Dr. Karl Gruber, Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs.
3. Col. Gen. Aleksei Sergeyevich Zheltov, Soviet Deputy High Commissioner for Austria.
4. Not printed.
5. For documentation on the Soviet attitude toward Finland, see pp. 574 ff.
6. Not printed; it reported that the Vienna press had given prominence to the Soviet demand for the surrender of the Security Director of Lower Austria and a gendarme named Lechner who had fled to the American Zone following the death of a Soviet officer. (863.00/12–1949)
7. In telegram 100, January 19, from Vienna, not printed, Erhardt reported that “Figl and Gruber had another, lengthy, more polite but still unproductive conversation with Zheltov this afternoon.” (663.001/1–1950)