763.5/10–2253
No. 898
Memorandum by the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of State for European Affairs (Bonbright) to the
Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (Merchant)1
With reference to WE’s attached memorandum,2 I have the uncomfortable feeling that Defense is trying to handle the Austrian military problem on a piecemeal basis and that unless we sit down with them and try to put the pieces together, beginning with fundamental rather than emergency problems, we are headed for a lot of trouble. Here are a few random thoughts.
- 1.
- I see no point in piling a lot of additional troops and dependents into Austria when we do not know whether it is our long-term interest to have them there or whether we may not shortly be [Page 1925] asked by the Austrians to reduce rather than to increase the numbers.
- 2.
- The above ties in, it seems to me, with the French and British withdrawals. In the light of the vociferous views expressed by General Gruenther and the JCS, I find it inexplicable that they have not answered our letter of October 5 asking Secretary Wilson what channels he suggests for tripartite military talks with the French and British.3 If as a result of those talks the French and British positions remain unchanged—as I expect—won’t the Defense people and Gruenther want to restudy the strategic situation in the area?
- 3.
- It is of course essential that we consult the Austrian government before putting more troops or dependents into the country. In spite of Ambassador Thompson’s somewhat optimistic telegram,4 I would anticipate very strong adverse reaction from the Austrian government.
- 4.
- The above discussions will take time and it would therefore seem prudent for Defense to seek another interim resting spot for the Trieste dependents until a final decision is made on where the troops are to go. If they could be moved to some spot in Italy this would seem the simplest.
In view of the very real doubts that it will be politically feasible to increase our forces in Austria, I think Defense should be urged to give immediate thought to an alternative location.