Office of the Historian

763.0221/6–1053: Telegram

No. 869
The Acting United States High Commissioner for Austria (Dowling) to the Department of State1

secret
Vienna, June 10, 1953—midnight.

3380. In conversation today re Soviet moves here, Raab and Gruber admitted they could only speculate re motivation. Their best guess is that Soviets felt impelled to take these local steps to counter their refusal resume work on treaty. Additionally, Gruber argued that they desire improve their standing with Austrian populace prior to withdrawal, which they now see approaching within year or two.

They agree Soviet relaxation of occupational controls is more apparent than real, with two exceptions set forth below, and they are aware Soviets retain their potential for action. For this reason, among others, they are deliberately over-emphasizing Austrian Government’s satisfaction in belief it will thereby be more difficult for Soviets to reimpose relaxed controls, and at same time place Austrian Government in favorable position to press for further relations.

Two moves which Raab and Gruber consider of significance are

(1)
Abolition of required transit permit for all goods moving across demarcation line except explosives, weapons and certain machinery; and
(2)
Resumption full diplomatic relations.

Re (1), Raab admitted he was not absolutely certain as to scope, and that Soviet statement needed clarification. Re (2), which was announced by Foreign Office today, Gruber recalled Soviets had heretofore been careful not to take any step which implied recognition Austria’s full sovereignty, and he therefore, considers this major move. In this connection, Gruber stated flatly Austria had taken no initiatives since 1951, and he was unaware Soviet intentions until receipt telegram from Austrian Charge Moscow (Moscow’s 1708 to Department2).

In light Austrian Government reaction, Embassy PAD intends follow line that Soviet moves are welcome although tardy, since Western Powers took similar measures 1947; that it is hoped Soviets will proceed implement other commitments undertaken in Control [Page 1867] Agreement 1946; and finally, that relaxation occupation controls, no matter how great, no substitute for state treaty.3

Embassy’s analysis Soviet moves in preparation and will be forwarded soonest.4

Dowling
  1. Repeated to Moscow.↩
  2. Telegram 1708 reported that the Soviets and the Austrians were raising their missions to embassy status on June 9. (601.6361/6–953)↩
  3. In telegram 3405 from Vienna, June 12, the Embassy reported that a Soviet propaganda broadcast in Vienna on June 11 gave a possible indication of the motivation behind recent Soviet policy toward Austria. The broadcast stated: “It is now time for Austrian contribution to lessening of tensions—adoption of strictly neutral course for Austrian foreign policy.” (763.0221/6–1253)↩
  4. Reference to despatch 2068 from Vienna, June 12, entitled “Recent Soviet Actions in Austria.” (763.0221/6–1253)↩