663.001/9–2651: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
1680. US position paper WFM T–7b entitled “Austrian Treaty”,2 copies sent you Sept 5 [7?], contains text our proposal new short text Treaty which was given prelim consideration at recent Washington FonMin talks. Brit and Fr Embs Washington previously furnished text our proposal.
As basis for future negots we prefer new abbreviated draft to present draft which is punitive and out of date. We do not plan abandoning present draft at this stage but will hold it in reserve awaiting future developments. Although West may be forced by circumstances to negotiate on basis old text, wld prefer not to do so. Long draft still represents US policy in most respect and certain points not included in new text wld necessarily have to be treated subsequently in some other form, perhaps through bilateral negots with Aust. New text is so favorable to Aust that there shld be no question as to Aust acceptance, leaving for later consideration other matters concerning which she will desire ultimate settlement.
Proposed new text incorporates minimum number arts from text already agreed considered essential to establish Aust independence and secure withdrawal occupation forces. Only new element is Art 6 which wld reverse position on Ger assets Aust by providing for relinquishment to Aust all such assets by each of occupying powers including Sovs. Believed this position can be amply justified by unwarranted extent to which Sovs have already milked such assets in their zone during period they have blocked negots on Treaty. New text has additional advantage of presenting Sovs with direct issue which they must face by (1) rejection (2) acceptance or (3) making a [Page 1138] new proposal of their own, thus bringing Treaty issue out into the open from its present stalemate which cld continue indefinitely if long draft retained as basis for negot. Outright Sov rejection new text shld greatly enhance West propaganda position and strengthen our hand in any eventual submission matter to UN.
Suggest preamble to new text be similar agreed preamble except paras 3 and 7 thereof shld be dropped as inappropriate.
London and Paris requested seek agreement Brit and Fr FonOffs new text and concurrence in desirability early tripartite consultation Aust Govt in order obtain its official views on new text.
US proposal with respect to procedure and tactics designed accomplish presentation new text to Sov Govt will follow.