Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT (Naval Aide 189 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON DECLASSIFIED 12065, Sec. 3-402 September 22, 1950 1982 State By DEB Dept. E.O. Guidelines, NLT, Date 6, TOP SECRET SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS NEAR EAST We have informed Ambassador Grady in Tehran of the recent decision of the North Atlantic Council not to extend treaty membership to Greece and Turkey but to invite these countries to participate in the planning work of the organiza- tion relating to the defense of the Mediterranean. We pointed out that similar arrangements were not considered for Iran because of its geographic position and because the lack of enthusiasm regarding the arrangements for Greece and Turkey indicated that it would be highly unlikely and that the Council would consent to a special arrangement for Iran. We noted that Turkey expressed keen disappointment with the Council decision and has not yet accepted the proposal, although it is expected to do so. If Turkey accepts, the offer will be extended to Greece and the Department intends to make another public state. - ment linking Iran with Greece and Turkey in regard to US interest as a means of reassuring Iran. We mentioned the possibility that the UK and France also might issue similar statements. AUSTRIA The Soviet Government has handed Embassy Moscow a reply to our note of June 12, which: 1) notified the USSR of the intention of the US, the UK and France, in the absence of an Austrian treaty, to take measures to strengthen the authority of the Austrian Government, to lighten the burden of occupation on Austria to the greatest extent possible and to appoint civilian High Commis - sioners in Austria at an early date; and 2) requested the USSR to associate itself with this program. The Soviet reply dismisses the notification of the appointment of civilian commissioners with the statement that 'this imparts nothing new to the tasks, functions and structure of the existing four-member control mechanism in Austria" and states that the tripartite assertion that the civilian change-over was for the purpose of easing occupation burdens "doesn't correspond to reality. 11 The USSR has sent similar notes to the UK and France. TOP SECREI