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

763.0221/10–2753: Telegram

No. 899
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Austria¹

top secret

Washington, October 27, 1953—10:44 a.m.

1270. Secretary has informed Defense re redeployment US forces from Trieste as follows:

1. While recognizing urgent need move dependents from Trieste, there are serious political difficulties involved in movement to Austria. Transfer military dependents to Austria would provide Soviets with valuable propaganda material at time when we await Soviet reply our renewed invitation discuss Austrian Treaty Lugano.² In addition, housing problem and political impact in Austria are such that even should Defense decide to transfer TRUST forces to Austria Department would strongly recommend against transfer dependents.

2. See no objection in principle to transfer TRUST forces themselves to Austria, although if this were decided Department wishes opportunity ask Amb Vienna inform Austrian Government of plan in advance of execution. Should Austrian official reaction be strongly adverse Department would like opportunity reconsider matter before final decision made.

3. Serious, if not insurmountable, political difficulties can be expected if at a later date Defense recommends further redeployment from US zone to British zone. We prefer postpone consideration that course of action.

4. While we see no reason delay present plans for evacuating dependents and certain stores, concur that target for withdrawal our forces should be postponed to January 1, 1954 as tentative date. It may prove impossible set final date until after Five Power Conference on Trieste has taken place.³

Dulles

1. Drafted by E. P. Allen and cleared with Knight and Bonbright. Repeated to Rome, Paris, London, Moscow, and USPOLAD in Trieste.
2. Reference to the U.S. note to the Soviet Government of Oct. 18 concerning the possibility of a four-power conference at Lugano, Document 279.
3. The possibility of a five-power conference on Trieste, which was discussed between October and December 1953, was never realized.