763.00/3–653: Telegram
No. 855
The United States High Commissioner
for Austria (Thompson) to the Department of
State
2605. From conversations with Gruber, Vice Chancellor Schaerf and others, it appears clear that Austrian officials consider Stalin’s death1 will on short range basis at least increase danger for Austria. They believe that in addition to disappearance of a leader noted for his caution and patience, there is danger of internal developments from which regime may be impelled to distract attention by attempting to achieve a success outside the Soviet Union and they may therefore be inclined to take greater risks than formerly in Austria.
I hope that these views will facilitate early formation of Austrian Government, prospects for which have not been bright as the leaders of both principal parties appear to be taking extreme positions. Info I consider reliable indicates that Socialists have their eye on Foreign Ministry and that Schaerf himself is hopeful of assuming this function. Socialist ambitions and Peoples Party fears constitute a poor climate for statesmanship to flourish. French, British and I are quietly urging both sides to be reasonable and to hasten reestablishment of the coalition.
- Iosif V. Stalin died on Mar. 5, 1953.↩