763.5/10–2154: Telegram
No. 936
The Secretary of
State to the Department of
State1
Dulte 7. For Acting Secretary pass President and Wilson from Secretary. Have discussed Trieste troops with Gruenther. He points out that there is no question of sending US troops now to hold critical pass as it is in UK zone. They would go to Salzburg and strengthen US zone forces and some would be trained and prepared to move south to passes if war broke out.
Under these circumstances I suggested to Eden that we might strengthen our Austrian forces by equivalent of about two battalions if they would station one battalion at actual pass. Eden has promised to study and consider with Nicholson who will be here tomorrow. I am skeptical of UK acceptance and believe solution acceptable to Gruenther will involve some strengthening of US zone in Austria. In this connection I believe framework of Anderson’s proposal could be used.
- Repeated to London eyes only for the Ambassador in telegram 2372 of Oct. 27. (763.0221/10–2354)↩