No. 597
763.5/2–151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Legation in Austria 1
top secret
Washington
, February 5, 1951—6 p.m.
1524. Paris’ 4543 Feb 1.2 Fr modifications accepted and fol is Dept’s understanding of directive in form agreed on tripartite basis:
- “1. Final Report, including recommendations, tripartite working group Aust army dated Aug 11/50 adopted in principle by West Govts. You will accordingly be guided by provisions this report to [Page 1194] extent they concern ur responsibilities and subj to any modifications contained in present directive.
- 2. US, Brit and Fr Govts having accepted joint
responsibility for assuring existence by time occupying
forces withdrawal Aust security forces adequate maintain
internal order, you shld:
- a.
- Cooperate with other West representatives in further development and implementation plan Aust army to extent feasible this time in accordance with Para 8 Final Report tripartite working group. Implementation phase one (period prior to signing Treaty) shld be vigorously pursued with particular reference to training expanded gendarmérie reserve rapidly as possible;
- b.
- Approach in concert with ur Brit and Fr colleagues Aust chancellor, Vice chancellor, MinFonAff and Min Interior with object of securing agreement in principle of Aust Govt to plan. Every effort shld be made to resolve differences between major polit parties on this subj. These four Mins shld be cautioned re need for secrecy. It will be necessary to prepare legis and to make provisions for funds and to initiate and develop plans covering recruitment, training, control, pay, revision of mil law manual, etc. This work clearly can not be done by four Mins and officials will have to be designated for purpose. In view however of essential importance of insuring secrecy officials can not be allowed to do this work in their Depts. You shld therefore discuss with four Mins how best to get over this difficulty.
- 3. The greatest degree of discretion shld be exercised by you and ur West colleagues in negots with Austs and in otherwise implementing agreed plan. All precautions possible within framework plan shld be taken with view minimizing the risk of Sov reaction and avoiding retaliation against Aust Govt or other adverse effects in Austria, in Allied Council or in Treaty negots.
- 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.”
Acheson