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

663.001/7–1254: Telegram

No. 930
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

confidential

Washington, July 15, 1954—7:01 p.m.

310. Re Austrian Treaty Question. USUN reports UK Delegation advises Foreign Office “red hot” to get Austrian Treaty item on agenda 9th GA, that failure Berlin Conference and subsequent repressive actions by Russians in Austria made this cold war best bet in forthcoming Assembly but that Foreign Office preferred hit hard only on this cold war item.

Department favorably disposed in principle toward making this one of cold war items in next GA although not prepared agree this should be only one. However as suggested Vienna’s 76 repeated London,² Embassy requested discuss with Foreign Office along lines Deptel 53 to Vienna³ in order give Department necessary information on which base position. In this connection do British have in mind proceedings essentially along lines 1952 debate ending with appeal to four powers for speedy conclusion treaty possibly with request for subsequent report? Or do they have in mind going further, possibly with (a) debate going more fully into substance of treaty ending with endorsement of certain principles; or (b) appointing some sort committee or individual charged with task assisting governments concerned reach agreement? Latter alternatives not yet explored here.

Dulles

1. Drafted by W. P. Allen, Mangano, and Stein, and cleared by E. P. Allen and Popper. Repeated to New York, Vienna, Paris, and Moscow.
2. Telegram 76 recommended that information on British views pertaining to this subject be obtained from the British Foreign Office, not the British Embassy in Vienna. (663.001/7–1254)
3. Telegram 53 requested information from the Foreign Office concerning the manner in which this item would be introduced in the U.N. General Assembly debate. (663.001/7–254)