Office of the Historian

663.001/11–2354: Telegram

No. 943
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in France1

confidential
Washington, November 23, 1954—3:41 p.m.

1894. Mendès-France’s proposal re Austria during UN speech November 222 not inconsistent Austrian offer at Berlin last February [Page 1985] or Secretary’s statement at closed Berlin conference calling on Soviets for fixed and early date for troop withdrawal after treaty.3 As indicated Department’s 2823 London4 we see no reason alter reply recent Soviet notes.5 However timing French proposal and lack thorough advance planning with British, Austrians and ourselves may create problem.

Soviets may seize on Mendès-France’s offer as excuse again call for convening ambassadors or similar meeting in Vienna this time to discuss “Interesting” French proposal but with actual intention reopen their Berlin proposals. Important therefore we find means make clear at appropriate time to both Soviets and Austrians that Soviet answer to questions Mendès-France raised are expected in diplomatic channels consistent with paragraph X Western replies recent Soviet notes. Request London consult British in attempt assure their support this point. Paris should request clarification from French that foregoing “assumption” correct. If these two démarches bring satisfactory results Department will then propose common instructions from three Western capitals to High Commissioners Vienna for informing Austrian Government and will consider best means making situation clear to Soviets.

Foregoing does not imply our unwillingness seek solution Austrian problem prior four-power conference Mendès-France proposed for May so long as any conference on Austria follows ratification Paris accords. As indicated Department’s 14016 Department prepared seriously consider Austrian suggestion separate conference Austrian treaty. Our offer to meet at any time to sign treaty on basis Western Berlin proposals of course stands.

Dulles
  1. Drafted by Freund and cleared by Ambassador Thompson, J. W. Jones, Thurston, and Merchant. Repeated for action to London and for information to Vienna, Moscow, and Bonn.↩
  2. See footnote 2, supra.↩
  3. For a record of the meeting during which Secretary Dulles made this statement, see Secto 176, Document 505.↩
  4. Telegram 2823 recommended changes in the text of the reply to the Soviet notes of Oct. 23 and Nov. 13. (396.1/11–2254)↩
  5. Reference to the Soviet notes of Oct. 23 and Nov. 13; see Document 531.↩
  6. Not printed, but see footnote 1, supra.↩