Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 1

396.1 BE/2–1554: Telegram

No. 480
The United States Delegation at the Berlin Conference to the Department of State¹

confidential priority

Berlin, February 15, 1954—2 p.m.

Secto 145. Department pass OSD. Following is summary on second part plenary session February 14:²

Eden stated West had accepted Soviet text on previously disagreed articles, thereby showing spirit conciliation but Soviets now insist no Austrian treaty until Security Council debated and agreed upon Trieste question and Austria not permitted enter into coalitions nor military alliances. This last condition should not be imposed on any independent government. Furthermore, Soviets make final departure foreign troops dependent upon signing German treaty which they themselves delaying by withholding free elections. Molotov also states must get rid of NATO, EDC if you want Austrian treaty. This would give Western Europe same kind of security and independence as Hungary and Rumania. UK ready to sign Austrian treaty accepting Soviet text on disagreed articles.

Figl stated Austria ready accept all Soviet proposals but could not agree additional burdens. He only authorized to agree old proposals.

Molotov spoke at length on US bases abroad maintaining strong measures and pressures used before agreement reached to establish them. He maintained that proposal to refer Trieste question to Security Council need not delay signing Austrian treaty. He again referred to proposal leave troops in Austria for short time stating that this would not be occupation and would contribute international peace. He continued harp on Anschluss theme and danger resurgence German militarism as justification leaving troops Austria. He insisted he did not make abandonment EDC as condition for Austrian treaty although he did admit that discarding EDC plans would facilitate conclusion treaty. He maintained Soviet proposal was modest one taking into account present situation in Europe and laid especial emphasis on leaving certain foreign detachments in Austria with no occupation functions. He made it clear that Soviet proposal prohibiting Austria enter into coalitions had not been withdrawn.

Secretary referred to Molotov’s “upside down” reasoning. He was not surprised that much of Molotov speech defending imposition of foreign troops upon Austria, was devoted to exposé of what a terrible system it is when you have foreign troops on soil of another sovereign nation.

Bidault pointed out French delegation had accepted Soviet versions of controversial articles, that last meeting of Deputies held February 1953.³ Therefore there could be no comparing situation with that of five or seven years ago. Questions such as bases in Iceland, Trieste, et cetera, had nothing to do with Austrian matter. He agreed that appropriate clause regarding Anschluss should be contained in German treaty.

Eden stated in view certain decisions Security Council he did not think it wise to adopt Soviet proposal on Trieste. Furthermore, this question had nothing to do with Austrian treaty. Seemed to him that Soviets were merely finding new pretext for delay. He expressed hope that agreement could be reached on Secretary’s proposal which would place Berlin Conference in fine position in history and do great service to small country which richly deserves it.

Figl repeated Austrian delegation had gone as far as possible within the limits its authorization.

Molotov concluded meeting by stating Austrian problem would be discussed again at time to be set the next plenary meeting.

1. Repeated to London, Paris, Bonn, Moscow, and Vienna.
2. For a report on the first part of the seventeenth plenary, see Secto 144, supra.
3. For documentation on the meeting of the Deputies for Austria in February 1953, see Documents 843 ff.