Diplomatic Triumph in Austria: The State Treaty, a Hidden Gem of the Nation's Foreign Policy
In the aftermath of World War II, Austria embarked on a decade-long fight for freedom. The country suffered significant losses, with many dying in battle, at the hands of the Nazis, or due to war-related destruction. Everything we now cherish—a prosperous, democratic, and free nation— traces its origins to those tumultuous post-war years.
Interestingly, Austria was the only European nation post-war to have the Soviet Red Army stationed on its soil, yet managed to negotiate their withdrawal without becoming a Soviet satellite state. This unusual success was largely due to the shrewd diplomacy led by notable figures such as Chancellor Julius Raab, Vice-Chancellor Adolf Schärf, Foreign Minister Leopold Figl, and State Secretary Bruno Kreisky between 1945 and 1955.
Their diplomatic efforts aimed at gradually gaining the trust of the Soviet leadership and eliminating political, economic, and military obstacles. The State Treaty, signed in 1955, marked the culmination of their efforts—though Austria capitalized on a declaration made during WWII, known as the "Moscow Declaration," to portray itself as a victim rather than a perpetrator in the Nazi era. This declaration helped soften the country's post-war treatment.
The turning point came with the death of Joseph Stalin in March 1953 and the rise of his successor, Nikita Khrushchev, who sought compromise with the West. In April 1955, a high-ranking Austrian delegation met with Khrushchev in Moscow, resulting in the "Moscow Memorandum," paving the way for the State Treaty.
Everlasting neutrality, akin to Switzerland's model, was an essential factor in Moscow's agreement to the Red Army's withdrawal. Although neutrality was not integrated into the State Treaty with the victorious powers, it was a condition Austria voluntarily and independently adopted after its independence.
The Austrian State Treaty was officially signed on May 15, 1955. The treaty forbade annexation to Germany, protected minority rights for Slovenes and Croats, outlawed Nazi revival, and confirmed the Habsburg laws of 1919. Following the expulsion of occupying forces, Austria established its perpetual neutrality on October 26, 1955. Solely the "Union of Independents," a remnant of former Nazis and earlier progenitors of today's FPÖ, opposed this neutrality law.
Austria's neutrality played a crucial role during the Cold War, enabling the country to act as a mediator between Western Europe and the Eastern Bloc. This neutrality remains a fundamental aspect of Austria's identity and foreign policy to this day.
SourcesEnrichment345
The diplomatic efforts of Chancellor Julius Raab, Vice-Chancellor Adolf Schärf, Foreign Minister Leopold Figl, and State Secretary Bruno Kreisky, between 1945 and 1955, aimed at negotiating the withdrawal of the Soviet Red Army and fortifying Austria's position as a neutral nation. The State Treaty, signed in 1955, was a significant milestone in these efforts, marking Austria's shift towards a peaceful, neutral, and democratic politics in the field of general-news.
