The Foreign Relations between the U.S.A. and Austria in the late 1950s

This chapter examines the geostrategic interests of the superpower USA in the small state of Austria during the 1950’s. At the end of June 1950, America’s political interest in finding a solution for Austria vanished as a result of US involvement. The disinterest of high civil and military officials became evident when it came to giving the Austrian negotiations new impetus. While preparing for the Berlin Foreign Minister Conference, President Dwight D. Eisenhower reached a decision. In his speech of April 16, 1953, he mentioned in response to Stalin’s death that with an Austrian solution the Soviet Union could show its willingness for a detente. After the Austrian government delegation had returned successfully from Moscow, Secretary of State Dulles carefully voiced his willingness, once and for all, to separate the Austrian solution from the German issue and to defer military considerations.