Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Austrian State Treaty; Summit and Foreign Ministers Meetings, 1955, Volume V

24. Telegram From the Embassy in the Soviet Union to the Department of State¹

Moscow, April 14, 1955—9 p.m.

1808. Western representatives met with Bischoff to obtain information concerning results today’s discussion. According to Bischoff, Ministers Figl and Kreisky had expected to be presented but were apparently held up in last minute drafting of communiqué expected to be issued this evening.² Interview was not particularly satisfactory as Bischoff as always was somewhat vague and not too clear on number of specific points and especially on neutrality issue (Embassy telegram 1796³) which yesterday Austrians said they intended to clarify. In general as far as we could gather final results were as follows:

1. Treaty as drafted will remain unchanged.

2. Soviet economic concessions (Embassy 1796) to be embodied in bilateral agreement between Austria and Soviet Union.

3. On troop withdrawal article in treaty stands but Soviets offered to accept either three-month period provided in treaty or December 31, 1955, whichever was earlier if treaty ratified during course this year.

4. Guarantee: It was on this point that Bischoff was extremely vague and unclear. In reply to our questions he said Soviets had not made any more precise their position as to Swiss model than they had yesterday but at one time he stated he had “impression” that Soviets expected Austrian Government would request four powers to guarantee its independence and territorial integrity. Whether this was to be a request for a collective instrument or individual guarantees was not at all clear and at one point Bischoff said that it would be up to each power to respond as it saw fit. This, of course, is extremely important point but we were unable to extract from Bischoff exactly how situation was left beyond fact Soviets considered that as matter for four powers to decide. Since we will not have further opportunity, except possibly at airport tomorrow morning, to see members Austrian delegation, believe it important that Western Ambassadors at earliest possible moment obtain clarification on this point.

5. Communiqué will be issued this evening which will reflect results of discussions here and will not we gathered from Bischoff be confined merely to generalities.

Bischoff at one point stated that Chancellor Raab after consultation with parties forming coalition and with approval Parliament, on April 26 on occasion tenth anniversary formation Austrian Government, would announce Austrian position on neutrality. In reply to this we all three stated we felt it was extremely important that Austrian Government before making any such public declaration and commitment should have full consultation with three Western governments particularly on neutrality issue.

It was most unfortunate that we were not able to have fill-in from members Austrian delegation as previously since with Bischoff it was impossible to tell whether what he says represents (A) Soviet position, (B) that of his government, or (C) his own personal impressions and views.

Will send my analysis of Soviet position tomorrow.

Bohlen

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 663.001/4–1455. Secret; Niact. Repeated to London, Paris, and Vienna.
2. For text of the final communiqué, dated April 15, see Department of State Bulletin, May 2, 1955, pp. 734–735 or Documents (R.I.I.A.) for 1955, pp. 223–224.
3. Supra.