763.00/3–2053: Telegram
No. 857
The United States High Commissioner
for Austria (Thompson) to the Department of
State1
2747. Gruber informs me People’s Party has decided to replace Figl by Raab. He said decision based on Party feeling that in view of strong Socialist attitude shown in negotiations for formation government PP needed stronger leadership. Gruber said he had done his best to support Figl but that Kraus and other Farm Group leaders had turned against him whereupon Figl himself had stated he could not continue. Negotiations with Socialists will be continued on Monday and if they do not increase their demands because of Raab’s designation agreement can probably be reached on basis already indicated.
I said I thought that Figl had served Austria well and that the spirit of cooperation which he symbolized had been a great contribution to Austrian stability. There is no doubt that Raab will give stronger leadership and his designation will satisfy the strong PP feeling of need for a change. He has good personal relationships with Socialists although he represents the wing of the Party most opposed to them. While I am hopeful solution will now be reached quickly a most dangerous situation would result should either side now increase their demands.
- Repeated to London and Paris.↩