Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Germany and Austria, Volume VII, Part 2

663.001/7–2452: Telegram

No. 811
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Austria¹

secret

Washington, July 25, 1952—6:25 p.m.

254. Dept plsd note favorable Brit reaction Gruber’s proposal refer Aust quest to UN (London’s 460, rpt to Vienna as 12 and Paris 103²) as well as Gruber’s concurrence US views (Vienna’s 225³). Plsd also note Gruber declined Nehru offer approach Sovs on treaty.

London and Paris requested discuss with FonOffs and inform them our views which are:

(1) While Dept willing provide assistance and support matter in UNGA it believes initiative to bring about consideration case in UN must come from Aust Govt. As soon as sponsors agreed upon by Aust and three Western Powers, Aust to make direct approach to prospective sponsors to submit item on agenda.

(2) Dept believes it preferable that matter be sponsored in UN by group of states, say three or five in number, rather than single state in order broaden base of support and give appearance widespread interest in matter. Dept considers it essential sponsors be states in sympathy with West objectives in Aust who can be counted upon coop with West in controlling matter in UN. Also preferable in our view at least majority of sponsors be states having dipl relations with USSR.

(3) Believe question might be appropriately submitted UNGA under Art 14 of Charter but consider reference to any specific art unnecessary.

(4) Once matter has been referred UNGA with documentation supplied by Aust, US, UK and Fr wld have opportunity give full explanation their joint efforts conclude treaty.

(5) Dept does not agree Brit FonOff speculation that item might best be submitted as amendment to another item, e.g. Sov item on strengthening peace. Such approach might give appearance propaganda gesture rather than sincere effort of sponsors and West to bring about agreement with Sovs on treaty.

(6) UNGA action shld in our view preferably take form of simple resolution recommending Aust Treaty Deputies resume negots on basis abbreviated treaty with view to early conclusion treaty and term occupation.

Upon receipt Brit and Fr views Dept wld be prepared discuss procedural details with Aust Chargé Platzer and perhaps offer suggestions as to countries which might be approached by Aust Govt with view sponsoring item in UNGA.

Acheson

1. Drafted by E. P. Allen and cleared with Perkins, Byington, Jessup, Wainhouse, Land, Kidder, and Linde. Repeated to London, Paris, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, and Bonn for Reber.
2. Telegram 460 reported that the Foreign Office had no objection to Gruber’s proposal referring the Austrian Treaty problem to the General Assembly and agreed with the desirability of securing the offices of neutral states to raise the question. (663.001/7–2452)
3. Telegram 225 stated that Gruber was pleased with the initial U.S. response to his proposal. It also noted that Gruber declined Nehru’s offer to approach the Soviets regarding the treaty although Gruber hoped that the Indians might take the initiative in the General Assembly. (663.001/7–2452)