CFM files, lot M–88, box 73, Treaty negotiations—Austria: Telegram
The United States Delegation at the Tripartite Foreign Ministers Meeting to the Acting Secretary of State
Secto 68. Subject: Tripartite discussion Austrian peace treaty Nov 22.1 Secretary outlined anew US position which had been presented in Wash to Schuman and Morrison. Also reported indications received from Gruber and Donnelly that Austrians did not fear short treaty wld delay peace settlement as they have come conclusion no Austrian settlement possible except in context general peace settlement with USSR.
Eden agreed to mtg of Deps in near future for one more attempt to obtain agreement on existing draft. Suggested that we shld first tell USSR we are ready sign old draft with Russian version of unagreed items as this wld put West in strong moral position. Shld this fail Eden expressed agreement to introduce “short treaty” and, as between diplomatic or Deps channel, expressed “slight preference” for Deps, but felt we should also keep old draft open.
Maurice Schumann, who sat for Fr today, also approved early mtg Deps and initial attempt to obtain Russian agreement to old draft treaty with Russian version unagreed clauses. He made it clear, however, that we shld not commit ourselvesab initio and first ask Soviets whether they wld sign if West agreed to their four clauses. Re “short treaty” Maurice Schumann expressed good deal of concern. He fears proposal new draft less favorable to Soviets might cause Soviets to modify status quo in manner unfavorable to West. He pointed to advantages Austria and harmful results of termination of quadripartite control. He stressed advantages of having Soviet zone subject to democratic process, to having Vienna as “citadel of freedom” in midst Sov zone and to complications which wld be caused to West if Soviets instituted blockade of Vienna requiring airlift for support.
[Page 1177]Secretary said he had asked Wash re US willingness to accept Russian version of unagreed items and mentioned defense interest. He expressed, however, aversion to giving choice to USSR between two different drafts, one harsh and one liberal, pointing out such course action wld be difficult explain to public opinion both in Austria and in US, UK and Fr. Such course, he added, cld result in granting USSR opportunity to choose one or other draft for indefinite period as Soviets wld be sure not to answer immediately. If we decide on this course action, we must be careful after giving Soviets opportunity settle on their version treaty to withdraw it prior to introduction “short treaty”. US has open mind as to timetable between offer to conclude on Soviet draft and introduction short treaty, but indicated he personally was thinking in terms of “two weeks to one month” during which time we shld publish White Paper setting forth West’s patient and numerous efforts arrive solution. Secretary expressed belief that short treaty wld not cause USSR change status quo.
Maurice Schumann proposal to agree at this time only on offer in Deps to agree to Soviet draft treaty and determine subsequently our course of action was luke-warmly supported by Eden (who seemed somewhat fearful that introduction of short treaty will heighten tension), but discouraged by Secretary.
Finally, it was decided that we wld hold matter in abeyance for time being and seek reach decision while Ministers together in Rome for NAC. Please advise soonest.
- The U.S. Delegation minutes of this meeting, designated PAR M–2, are in Conference files, lot 59D95, CF 97.↩