15 May - Austrian State Treaty

This Day in History: 15 May 2020

 

15 May 1955

 

65 years ago, today, the Austrian State Treaty was signed between the Allies and the Austrian government, re-establishing Austria as a free, sovereign state. Initial attempts to create a treaty were made by the post-war government, however this failed as the Allies wanted a peace treaty with Germany first. The creation of a treaty was made more unlikely with the development of the Cold War. Despite this, the nation still held onto its part of Carinthia against Yugoslavia's demands. In 1953, Joseph Stalin's death helped to improve the climate for negotiations to continue, as conversations began with the Soviet foreign minister, Molotov, securing a breakthrough.

 

As well as the recognition of an Austrian state, the treaty also included minority rights of the Slovene and Croat minorities. Anschluss, Austria's political union with Germany, was also forbidden, and Nazi organisations were prohibited. The Allies left Austrian territory as a result of the treaty on October 25, and the next day, October 26, would be later celebrated as a national holiday. Even though it is thought to commemorate the withdrawal of Allied troops, it actually celebrates Austria's Declaration of Neutrality that was passed on October 26. This neutrality was not in the original text of the treaty but was declared by parliament after the Allied troops left.

 

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