863.00/2–1148: Telegram
The Minister in Austria (Erhardt) to the Secretary of State
167. Both Socialist and Peoples Party leaders have emphasized to us their belief that while conclusion of acceptable treaty and prompt withdrawal of all occupation forces is definitely in Austrian interest, nevertheless Austrian security could be readily threatened by Soviets or satellites after withdrawal of western allies. To counter this threat they urge that US prior to withdrawal issue public statement similar to that made by President December 13 on Italy1 expressing our continued concern in maintenance of security and independence of Austria. In view of importance Austrian leaders attach to such statement and influence which our willingness or our unwillingness to make it might in long run have on firmness of their resistance to Soviets, Department may wish to consider, as one element affecting its attitude toward conclusion of treaty at this time, whether or not it would be prepared at appropriate moment to recommend issuance of statement of this kind.
Sent Department 167, repeated London for USDel 9, Moscow 8.
- For the text of the statement, see Department of State Bulletin, December 21, 1947, p. 1221.↩