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

763.00/12–1952: Telegram

No. 839
The United States High Commissioner for Austria (Thompson) to the Department of State

secret

Vienna, December 19, 1952—7 p.m.

1738. Ref Deptel 1652 Dec 10.¹ As Dept already informed, we have for some time been conscious of tense situation likely to develop should Socialists achieve plurality in coming elections, possibility of which hinges primarily on extent to which VDU–Aktion succeeds in drawing further votes away from People’s Party (see Embtels 1410² and 1428,³ Embdesp 735⁴).

Although there are comparatively few top People’s Party leaders who would not view alignment with VDU with considerable misgivings we would probably find it most difficult to persuade them from this step in case Socialists emerge as first party. From beginning People’s Party has made dogma of precept that Socialist predominance must be avoided at all costs but leaders are now somewhat more confident than some weeks ago, and there is consequently less talk of possible inclusion of VDU–Aktion in coalition.

Socialists leaders themselves appear none too anxious to see situation develop which would place them before alternatives of going into opposition or accepting VDU (which many SP members view as “Fascist”) into coalition. Former would harm state and cause Socialists lose control nationalized industries and many jobs, latter would undoubtedly cause Socialists to lose sizable number of supporters to Communists. There has as yet been no authoritative Socialist statement as to what party would do in this eventuality, although Waldbrunner has said privately that Socialists would never agree to VDU inclusion.

Emb concurs in Dept’s view that best tactic is positive one of stressing great services to Aust of present govt. In fact we have reiterated opinion in recent weeks that Ger Govt combination likely to achieve such political stability or deal as well with Aust problems and shall continue to emphasize this view to leaders of two parties in any future meetings or intimate discussions. As further boost, we contemplate inclusion in any public pronouncements during coming weeks praise for past achievement of “Aust Govt” and courage and solidarity with which it has faced state problems. Such statements as that recently made by Senator Connally also useful. Public criticism by US of govt performance in field econ reform will be avoided during campaign period in order not to provide ammunition which could be turned against big parties or by one against other (see Embdesp 876 Nov 12⁵).

Emb also agrees any overt demonstration of dislike or distrust of VDU would be imprudent. However, in view of upsurge in Pan-German, pro-Nazi, anti-US attitudes in VDU during past year, we believe Emb can and should quietly carry out passive resistance to extremist encroachments on coalition vote. In this connection, we prefer that output US media support two big parties by concentrating on great achievements made by Aust Govt since war in bringing about increasingly stable econ and polit conditions in face of grave difficulties including Sov-Commie menace. In addition, two big parties should get equal opportunity to reach people through this mass media, (see Embdesp 915⁶ while our attitude toward VDU should remain reserved. Emb planning not to give VDU time on Red-White-Red if this can be avoided without major reaction (Embdesp 791⁷). In view of special problem in Salzburg, propose we do not hesitate to warn VDU by indirection by exploiting possibilities to embarrass Salzburger Volksblatt and exercising pressure on Salzburger Nachrichten.

Though fusion with Aktion has increased respectability somewhat, there are no signs thus far VDU plans extensive purge in near future. Kraus recently told Emb reps that Gasselich⁸ and one or two others might be ousted soon, but time would not be ripe for major ejection of radicals at least until eve of next elections after 1953. Stueber⁹ reported to have received Aktion approval after signing statement he did not advocate Anschluss. Emb proposes continue cautious working level contact with more moderate VDU–Aktion leaders and encourage their known resistance to extremist elements.

Thompson

1. Telegram 1652 noted the possibility that the Socialists might win a plurality in the pending elections and that certain People’s Party leaders might be considering forming a coalition with the VDU with or without the Socialists in order to avoid giving up the Chancellorship. It requested the views of the Embassy as to the effectiveness and propriety of top Embassy officials reemphasizing to coalition leaders the high regard of the United States for the contribution to political stability of the present coalition. (763.00/12–1052)
2. See footnote 3, Document 836.
3. Document 834.
4. Despatch 735 reported on Gruber’s activities in the Western provinces of Austria and his views concerning the VDU. (763.00/10–2152)
5. Despatch 876 transmitted the minutes of the Embassy’s Information Projects Committee (IPC) meeting of Nov. 10 to the Department of State. (511.63/11–1252)
6. Despatch 915 reported on arrangements for Austrian electioneering over USIS media. (511.63/11–2052)
7. Despatch 791 transmitted the minutes of the Embassy’s IPC meeting of Oct. 27 to the Department of State. (511.63/10–3052)
8. Anton Gasselich.
9. Fritz Stueber.