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

763.5/10–1150: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom ¹

top secret

Washington, October 11, 1950—12 noon.

1850. Re Dept instrs 51 London, 86 Paris, and 29 Vienna, Aug 18,² transmitting Final Report Aug working group discussions Aust security forces, London and Paris requested inform FonOffs that US Govt has adopted report³ and its recommendations and will regard them as constituting official tri-partite agreement upon receipt similar notification from Brit and Fr Govts. In consequence thereof US will provide on grant basis equipment for ground forces initial strength 28.000 and is prepared initiate necessary administrative action required by Sec 408c MDAA, as amended,⁴ including required consultation with NAT countries.

London requested emphasize to FonOff view this Govt that all mil assistance Aust shld be on grant basis (see Para 7 final report) and urge UK agreement equip and train Aust air force without reimbursement. We consider it essential, in light Brit acceptance mutual responsibility Aust security post-withdrawal period, that UK bear this financial burden. If UK not willing assume financial burden involved, this Govt will wish give further consideration to basic question assignment responsibility for air force. Early and affirmative UK decision this point will therefore be appreciated, particularly in light tie-in this problem with over-all US defense requirements.

US plan Aust army (P–4463 Feb 1/50 from Vienna, Dept’s A–268 Aug 23 to London, copy to Paris⁵) previously agreed by three West HICOMs in Vienna. UK and Fr Dels Aug conversations, perhaps because lack instrs and fear leaks and possible Sov reactions, were hesitant recommend (1) acceptance non-technical features US plan including first and second phases thereof, (2) immediate implementation including discussion with Austs to develop firm plans and obtain Aust agreement accept required responsibilities and (3) sustained tripartite pressure on Aust Govt to carry out its part of program. Vienna reports this connection (Legtel 524 Sep 22⁶) that Brit and Fr Legs Vienna concur in Final Report and are recommending early action by their Govts.

This Govt feels strongly that implementation agreed plan must begin now in order assure that army will be in being and prepared to function when occupation troops withdraw. Such action necessary to preclude possibility creation mil vacuum which Sovs wld almost certainly take advantage of to obtain political domination. Foregoing action required to meet contingency fol any agreed withdrawal occupation forces whether withdrawal results from conclusion Treaty or otherwise.

Participation Aust Govt required at this time if West assistance is to be effective. In light Aust fear Sov reaction and distrust between major pol parties, it is our view that Aust participation can be obtained only by means tripartite pressure on Govt to accept agreed plan. Continued Aust participation can be achieved only by united and sustained effort by West Govts and their representatives in Austria. We are fully conscious risks Sov reaction, but consider risk unpreparedness greater. These factors taken into acct in US plan and of course every discretion shld be observed in carrying it out.

In consideration above urge that Brit and Fr agree to early dispatch instrs to three HICOMs along fol lines:

1. Final Report, including recommendations, tripartite working group Aust army dated Aug 11/50 adopted by West Govts. You will accordingly be guided by provisions this report to extent they concern ur responsibilities.

2. US, Brit and Fr Govts having accepted mutual responsibility for assuring existence by time occupying forces withdraw Aust security forces adequate maintain internal order, you shld:

a. Cooperate freely and actively with other West representatives in further development and implementation plan Aust army to extent feasible this time in accordance phasing program provided therein. Implementation phase one (period prior to signing Treaty) shld be vigorously pursued with particular reference to training expanded gendarmerie reserve rapidly as possible;

b. In concert with ur West colleagues, approach appropriate elements Aust Govt with view securing agreement to plan. Every effort shld be made resolve differences between major polit parties this subj and continuing pressure exerted upon Aust Govt to build up gendarmerie reserve and … to prepare required legislation, make provision for funds and initiate and develop plans covering recruitment, training, control, pay, etc.

3. The greatest degree of discretion shld be exercised by you and ur West colleagues in negotiations with Austs and in otherwise implementing agreed plan. All precautions possible within framework plan shld be taken with view minimizing Sov reaction and avoiding retaliation against Aust Govt or other adverse effects in Austria, in Allied Council or in Treaty negotiations.

4. You will keep ur Govt currently informed concerning the progress of the agreed program.

5. Plans for the creation of Aust air force are still under consideration by the three Govts and further info in regard thereto will be transmitted to you when agreement is reached.⁷

Acheson

1. Repeated to Paris as 1861 and to Vienna as 668.
2. None printed.
3. On August 28 Secretary Acheson had written to Secretary Johnson, recommending acceptance of the final report. Johnson concurred with this recommendation on September 16 and in view of the reluctance of the British to make definite commitments with regard to the Austrian Air Force, informed Secretary Acheson that he was directing the Joint Chiefs of Staff to prepare a plan for United States training and equipping of the initial increment of the air force. (763.5/8–2850 and 9–1650)
4. For the text of section 408c of the Mutual Defense Assistance Act as amended on July 26, see 64 Stat. 376.
5. P–4463, p. 476; A–268, which transmitted the text of P–4463, is not printed.
6. Not printed; in it Legation Vienna reported its concurrence and that of the British and French Legations with the final report. (763.5/9–2250)
7. In telegrams 2063, October 7, and 2190, October 13, neither printed, Embassies Paris and London reported that they had informed the Foreign Ministry and Foreign Office that the United States had adopted the final report and urged that instructions along these lines be sent to the Western High Commissioners (763.5/10–1350 and 1750).