CFM files, lot M–88, box 73, Treaty negotiations—Austria
The United States Delegation at the Tripartite Foreign Ministers Meeting to the Acting Secretary of State 1
priority
Secto 101. Subject: Tripartite Discussion Austrian Peace Treaty November 27.2 Secretary stated position Tosec 60.3 Recommended early meeting Deputies and that Soviet be asked whether any change in Soviet position. If Soviet reply in affirmative, negotiations should continue on basis established positions. Recognized that Soviet deputy would probably refer to latest note on Trieste and Spiradoff’s [Sviridov’s] accusations concerning remilitarization of Western Zones. Negotiations would then be blocked and Western deputies should indicate they must refer question to governments for further consideration at same time arranging for future meeting.
We again urged a short treaty and said we do not agree it would lead to Soviet retaliation. He pointed out no connection had ever been drawn in past between Soviet action as occupying power under control agreement and course of treaty negotiations. Emphasized that if short treaty proposed, old draft should not be kept open. Also said we could not agree to propose or accept Soviet version unagreed articles and mentioned effect on US and Austrian public opinion should we now agree to Soviet version after five years negotiation. Austrian Government has accepted idea of short treaty and it was better for us to go ahead with it.
Eden, while again expressing his opinion there would be propaganda advantage in proposing acceptance Soviet version unagreed articles as demonstrating extent West willing to be conciliatory said he agreed to accept Secretary’s proposal re holding meeting and limiting action merely to inquiring of Soviet representative re Soviet position. He had reservations, however, re abbreviated text and was not convinced our making this step would not terminate Four Power Control Agreement to resulting disadvantage of West. Said he would want to have new look at abbreviated text following Deputies meeting.
Schuman agreed with Eden that he would have liked for propaganda purposes to propose acceptance Soviet version unagreed articles, [Page 1182] but if other two were in agreement he would not insist. Was not convinced of advantages of abbreviated text and pointed out difficult situation of Austrian Government in Vienna if quadripartite control agreement should be put in anger. Believed serious incidents would be likely to result from our proposing abbreviated text to Soviet Union and urged we review abbreviated text proposal after deputies meeting.
Secretary concluded saying that it was agreed deputies would meet and western representatives if meeting unproductive would refer to their governments.