663.001/11–2651: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Italy 1
priority
2460. Rome for Perkins. Re Paris 3152 Nov 26 rptd Rome 2472 and Vienna’s 1840 Nov 26 rptd Rome 85,3 Dept considers statement may be required to avoid situation whereby US position is explained solely by Fr press and news agencies and confirmed by Fr FonOff. Dept concurs in Gruber’s estimate that leak probably occurred in Paris despite London and Washington datelines. We do not know source of stories and replied no comment Nov 24 to Fr correspondent who had gist of story.
Accordingly, if questioned, Dept press officer will reply fol lines:
Means to break deadlock on Aust Treaty were discussed by West FonMins in Washington in Sept and recently in Eur. Numerous aspects of the problem have been explored and the matter is still under consideration. The US will continue to strive, as it has in the past, for a four-power agreement to reestablish Aust’s independence and provide for the withdrawal of all occupation forces as promised eight years ago in Moscow.End statement
It is suggested that three FonMins may wish to consider issuing a joint statement in Rome on their recent discussions concerning Aust Treaty.
- Drafted by Walter R. Roberts of the Office of Western European Affairs and cleared with Williamson and Bonbright. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, and Vienna.↩
- Telegram 3152 informed the Department of State that an article appearing in Figaro on November 24 outlined the essential features of the abbreviated treaty proposed by the United States and cited arguments in its favor. (663.001/11–2651)↩
- Telegram 1840 reported that a Communist newspaper, Tagblatt am Montag, quoted the French Information Service that there would be a “western initiative” for the resumption of discussions concerning the Austrian State Treaty “within a few weeks”. (663.001/11–2651)↩