868.48/117: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Caffery)
66. Your 119, September 20, 10 p.m.
Bristol recommends that immediate American relief activities be concentrated on evacuation of refugees and caring for these refugees prior to and during evacuation. Department concurs with these recommendations but is keeping both Near East Relief and the American Red Cross informed regarding conditions of refugees after their evacuation to Greece and desires you to report fully in this regard. Meanwhile Department understands that American Red Cross has received appeal directly from Greek Red Cross which [Page 433] is being considered and that Near East Relief is contemplating possible extension of its work to Greece.
You will readily appreciate that the Department cannot urge American relief societies to assume what might be an indefinite obligation to care for refugees after their evacuation from Anatolia and is inclined to agree with Admiral Bristol that responsibility in this regard rests primarily upon Greece and the Allied Governments. Bristol is being instructed to repeat to you, for your confidential information only, Department’s 140, September 21, 7 p.m., summarizing efforts which have been made here to organize emergency relief work.
Repeat this telegram to Constantinople as Depts 144.