Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume XXIX, Eastern Europe; Eastern Mediterranean, 1969–1972

65. Telegram From the Embassy in Austria to the Department of State¹

Vienna, July 23, 1971, 1615Z.

4536. Subject: USG–USSR–PRC Relations. Summary: During Ambassadorʼs call on Foreign Minister Kirchschlaeger latter said deterioration of USG–USSR relations would be too high in price to pay for new USG–PRC policy² and was afraid this might be the case. FonMin said he hoped SALT had been used as forum for preparation of Soviets for Kissinger trip to Peking. End summary.

1. This morning, accompanied by DCM, I called on FonMin Kirchschlaeger for pre-vacation tour dʼhorizon. Although the Minister confessed to being extremely tired, I found him in friendly and convivial mood throughout hour long conversation.

2. On behalf Secretary Rogers I thanked FonMin for GOAʼs statement offering to intern Vietnam POWs. He accepted message affably and said GOA pleased to do it.

3. Kirchschlaeger asked me to comment on recent USG–PRC developments. I replied that not in a position to provide further information beyond what we both already knew and added that this would be the case until Secretary Rogers officially announces USGʼs position, which I understood would happen in relatively near future.³

4. Kirchschlaeger said he was concerned about the reaction of the USSR: that a climate of mutual confidence recently had been developing between Washington and Moscow and he fervently hoped this would continue to be the case. He believed that a deterioration of USG–USSR relations would be too high a price to pay for a new USG–PRC policy, but was afraid this might be the case. FonMin volunteered his assumption that SALT had been used as forum to prepare Soviets psychologically for new USG policy towards PRC. Said he feared if this were not the case Soviets may react unfavorably, jeopardizing SALT, since Soviets notoriously touchy regarding anything they might consider “encirclement” or affecting their national security.

5. Kirchschlaeger made the point that just as in the 30ʼs there had been a German trauma on this subject so is there today a Soviet trauma. I did not comment on above other than to reiterate Presidentʼs statement that our move vis-à-vis PRC was not directed against any nation.⁴

6. In answer to my question Kirchschlaeger said there was no decision yet on selection of Austrian Ambassador to Peking although he believes a man would be named in early September.

7. During meeting FonMin commented on his recent trip to Italy, his plan to attend UNGA, status of Austrian hopes for association with EC, Austriaʼs position on Law of the Sea, Austria-Czechoslovakia relations and some aspects internal Austrian politics all of which subjects septels.

8. At conclusion of meeting I inquired when Chancellor Kreisky planned to leave on vacation since I had asked for appointment to make courtesy call before we both left town. Kirchschlaeger said this was Chancellorʼs last day in his office, that he was extremely busy and that my chances of seeing him were virtually nil unless I had important subject to discuss. He mentioned that he himself had been trying to reach him by telephone for last two hours without success. Upon return to Embassy I found that I had appointment to call on Kreisky later this afternoon together with DCM.⁵

Humes

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 AUS. Confidential. Repeated to USDel SALT V. Smith was in Helsinki at the SALT talks.
2. Reference is to a July 15 announcement that meetings between Kissinger and Chinese officials had produced an agreement for a visit by President Nixon and the opening of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Peopleʼs Republic of China.
3. August 2. For text of the statement and the Secretaryʼs comments to the press, see Department of State Bulletin, August 23, 1971, pp. 193–196.
4. For text, see Public Papers: Nixon, 1971, pp. 819–820.
5. In telegram 4549 from Vienna, July 26, Ambassador Humes reported: “Nothing new came up during my call on Chancellor. Conversation covered much the same ground as my earlier talk with ForMin Kirchschlaeger.” (National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 AUS)