Evening star., 1946-04-27
u. ). 10 Insist
On Freedom
For Austriians
Byrnes Is Reported
Set to Override
Reds Objections
By the Associated Press

PARIS, April 27.-The United
States approached a critical
stage of the four-power Foreign
Ministers Conference today ap-
parently determined to override
Russian objections and to insist
that Austria be cleared of occu-
patton troops and recognized as
truly independent nation.
Secretary of State Byrnes was
reported ready to demand at todays
meeting of the ministers that the
American formula be adopted for
Austria, and that Trieste, port city
at the head of the Adriatic, retain
its Italian sovereignty.
The ministers were expected tc
rule today on one or both of these
questions.
1943 Accord Is Cited.
The United States maintained
that Italy should retain Trieste be-
cause of that city's predominant
Italian population, but that port
facilities should be internationalized
to encourage trade for Austria
Hungary and nearby states.
This proposal has been opposed by
Yugoslavia, which wants sovereignty
over Trieste, and the Yugoslav stand
has been supported by Russia.
American delegates cited the 1943
Moscow declaration, pledging inde-
pendence for Austria after her lib
eration," to support their position
in favor of freedom for that country
A decision on Austria, coupled
with settlement on reparations tc
be paid by Italy, is expected to sci
a pattern for the peace treaties with
Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria anc
Finland, where the Russian influ-
ence is even stronger.
The ministers, representing the
United States, Russia, Great Britain
and France, agreed yesterday on the
machinery for studying the question
OF italian reparations, but failed tc
reach an accord on the inclusion or
the agenda of the Austrian question
and on French request to interna-
tlonallze the Ruhr.
Reds Call for 800 Million.
The United States, which earlier
had opposed any reparations from
Italy. acceded to Russian demands
for some payment. Russia insisted
that Italy pay $500 100000.
The United States was reported tc
have insisted that any reparations
be contingent on Italy's ability to
pay, and that such payment not
put Italy in the position of requir-
ing outside economic aid.
A committee of experts will in
vestigate Italy's ability to pay.
The official Soviet news agency
Tass suggested last October that Italy
pay $500 100000 reparations. pro-
vided the United States and Britain
seek no portion of that amount.
Under the Tass proposal, 500 OOO. .0OO
would go to Russia and the balance
to Yugoslavia, Albania and Greece
The United States was reported
pledged to policy of clearing for
eign troops from Eastern Europe, SO
that nations there could concen-
trate on meeting their own food
fuel and transportation problems.
An authoritative source In London
said Ernest Bevin, British foreign
secretary, would suggest to Mr.
Byrnes that conference on Pacific
defenses be held in Canberra by the
United States, Britain, Australia
and New Zealand.
The conference would be a pre-
liminary to a seven-power discus.
sion to which France, Portugal anc
Holland would be invited.
The source said Prime Minister
Joseph B. Chif1ey of Australia would
discuss with President Truman, dur.
ing visit to Washington in about
Two weeks, an Australian propose
for multi-nation defense bases al
such strategic points as Soerabaja
Batavia and Timor