No. 484

Editorial Note

When Emmanuel Shinwell, British Minister of Defense, made a statement in January 1951 that all British troops on the European continent would be put at the disposition of General Eisenhower’s command, Major General G. K. Tsinyev, Soviet Deputy High Commissioner for Austria, asked the French Legation if its forces in Austria were also included under Eisenhower’s command. (Telegram 1517 from Vienna, January 19, 740.5/1–1951) This inquiry by the Soviets initiated a series of meetings to determine the precise relationship between the forces of the Western Powers in Austria and the NATO command structure. Donnelly traveled to Paris on April 22 in order to discuss this problem with General Eisenhower. Further documentation on this question is in files 740.5 and 763.0221 and CFM files, lot M–88, box 73, Occupation Forces.