Austria 785



nore it will make him much more likely to ignore other commitments.)
In fact, if we are to arrest this general trend towards equating the U.S.
and Soviet even on the moral plane, I feel strongly the Secretary should
make some general reference to his unhappiness concerning it. (Fred
Chapin can get you up a good briefing paper.)
    In other words, the era of gratitude-that shortest lived of all hu-
man emotions-for past favors and assistance has come to an end. The
sensitive nerve of self-interest and future expectations, both good and
bad, should be probed. Austria should not take the U.S. for granted; un-
certainty in their minds will be salutary.
    This is too long a letter with which to burden a busy man, but I have
felt the problem is of sufficient importance to bring to your attention if
we are to avoid future disappointments in this corner of Central Europe.
    With all good wishes and best of luck,
    Very sincerely,
                                                                 Doc






302. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in
      Austria

                           Washington, September 23, 1958, 6:21 p.m.

    879. G-1201 just received and do not consider desirable discuss Vice
Chancellor's position Article 26 with Platzer immediately prior Figl's ar-
rival. Approach to Platzer and relay by him of US views to Figl might
involve US in coalition infighting.
    Believe Pittermann largely motivated by party politics, i.e., by de-
sire not give Jewish persecutees abroad better treatment than members
Socialist emigration at home and abroad and by convenient opportunity
criticize Chancellor re his lump-sum initiative. Pittermann can fit his
criticism into previous advocacy rigorous economy. Figl and Peoples
Party conversely would be delighted use Socialist opposition as excuse


    Source: Department of State, Central Files, 763.00/9-1258. Confidential.
Drafted by
Chapin, cleared by Wehmeyer, and approved by Cameron.
    1See footnote 1, Document 301. It reported that Pittermann reiterated
that payments
to persecutees in the United States under Article 26 of the Austrian State
Treaty contrasted
unfavorably to what was widely perceived as Soviet largesse in making oil
concessions to
Austria. The last sentence of the airgram urged the Department to "express
its surprise
and chagrin" over this view to Ambassador Platzer.