CFM files, lot M–88, box 72, Bound volume—Austria, 1951
The Deputy Under Secretary of State (Matthews) to the Secretary of Defense (Lovett)1
My Dear Mr. Secretary: The receipt is acknowledged of Mr. Foster’s letter of October 10, 19512 requesting the concurrence of the Department of State in General Irwin’s proposal to issue to the Austrian gendarmérie on a loan basis certain necessary portions of the Austrian Mutual Defense Assistance Program established for the proposed initial 28,000-man Austrian army.
In the absence of information concerning the nature of the items which it is proposed to issue to the Austrian gendarmérie, it is assumed (1) that the equipment will be of types which will facilitate the gendarmérie training program and can be justified as equipment appropriate for domestic security forces; and (2) that none of the equipment will be of types which would warrant Soviet allegations that this Government is violating its international commitments by rearming and remilitarizing Austria.
As a result of discussions between representatives of your Department and the Department of State, it is my understanding that there is agreement to the effect that, prior to granting General Irwin’s request, the President must make a determination pursuant [Page 1196] to the provisions of Section 101 of the Mutual Security Act of 1951 and this determination must be reported to the Congressional Committees specified in the Act. Ambassador Donnelly and General Irwin have recommended this course of action.
On the understanding that the Department’s assumptions stated in paragraph 2 above are correct and that it meets with your approval, steps will be taken to initiate action in accordance with the procedure outlined.
A copy of this letter is being sent to the Director of Mutual Security.
Sincerely yours,