40. Telegram From the Office of the High Commissioner for Austria to the Department of State1
2532. Following two draft guarantee declarations were given informally to French and UK Ambassadors in restricted session today. I explained that they were only my ideas of an approach to the guarantee problem which might be useful. I explained that I believed that the first version represented a position which I could take at present within the limits of my present instructions (as set forth in paragraph c [Page 63] Deptel 30452 In presenting second version I said that it probably went beyond my present instructions but that I would refer it to Washington for comment. (FYI. I hope it can be considered as an interpretation of present instructions.) You will note that I have omitted German peace treaty time limitation in first version since I fear that by adding to already highly restrictive proposal such limitation we could not expect serious if any consideration by Soviets. Time limitation in second version might have chance of success.
First Version.
The Govts of Republic of France, UK, the USA and USSR, taking note of the declaration of the Govt of Austria dated (date) regarding the decision of Austria to refrain from entering into any alliances of a military nature and not to permit the establishment on its territory of foreign military bases, and
Recognizing that the four signatory powers have affirmed in the Austrian State Treaty their desire to re-establish Austria as a free independent and democratic state, and have bound themselves to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Austria as established under the treaty, and
Recognizing further that the four signatory powers have obligated themselves under the Charter of the United Nations to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace,
The four signatory powers now, therefore, solemnly declare that if, in the opinion of any of them, there is a violation of Austrian territorial integrity, they will treat such violation as a grave threat to the peace and will bring the matter immediately to the attention of the United Nations with a view to securing appropriate decisions or recommendations by the United Nations to meet the situation.
The four signatory powers further declare that in accordance with the obligations which they have undertaken under the provisions of the Austrian State Treaty to support Austria’s candidature for admission to the United Nations, they will unconditionally support the immediate admission of Austria to membership in the United Nations.
This declaration will become effective upon entry into force of the Austrian State Treaty.
Second Version.
(First four paragraphs identical with first version above).
The four signatory powers now, therefore, solemnly declare that if, in the opinion of any of them, there is a threat to or violation of Austrian territorial integrity, they will treat such threat or violation as a grave threat to the peace and will bring the matter immediately to the attention of the United Nations with a view to securing appropriate decisions or recommendations by the United Nations to meet the situation. In the event that the United Nations is unable to [Page 64] agree upon appropriate measures, the four powers will consult together and with the Austrian Govt in order to determine what action should be taken.
The four signatory powers further declare that in accordance with the obligations which they have undertaken under the provisions of the Austrian State Treaty to support Austria’s candidature for admission to the United Nations, they will unconditionally support the immediate admission of Austria to membership in the United Nations.
This declaration will become effective upon entry into force of the Austrian State Treaty. It shall remain in effect until the entry into force of a treaty of peace between the Allied powers and Germany at which time it may be reviewed and continued in effect thereafter upon agreement by all of the powers signatory to the present declaration.
Note foregoing involves US participation in joint declaration which not provided for in NSC decision. Assume joint declaration implied.
Request authorization urgently (1) to inform UK and French colleagues that either of foregoing texts is acceptable my govt and (2) that I be authorized utilize them in Ambassadors’ conference as may seem to me advisable.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 396.1–VI/4–3055. Secret; Niact; Limited Distribution. Repeated to Moscow.↩
- Not printed, but see footnote 6, Document 37. Paragraph c is the same as that in the NSC action, ibid.↩