35. Editorial Note
On September 18, the Department of State informed the Embassies in Vienna and Moscow that Chancellor Raab intended to visit Moscow in 6 to 8 weeks to negotiate a reduction in Austria’s compensation shipments to the Soviet Union. (Telegram 343 to Moscow, 1032 to Vienna; Department of State, Central Files, 763.13/9–1857) The Embassy in Vienna replied that because the Chancellor was ill it was unlikely that the visit would take place before 1958. It also reported that the Austrians believed that the Soviets would grant them concessions without any conditions. The Embassy, however, believed the Soviets might expect Austria to reestablish good relations with Hungary in return for the concessions. (Telegram 841, September 20; ibid., 763.13/9–2057) For the Embassy in Moscow’s response, see telegram 589, infra.