868.48/320: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Caffery) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 22—3:17 a.m.]
15. My 13 Thursday last.27 Several Greek Ministers called on me in name of Greek Cabinet and asked me if American relief organization would make definite promise to take entire care of all Greek refugees now in Pontus region in case Greek authorities furnished ships to bring them here. The Ministers added that at a Cabinet meeting held that morning decision had been taken not to receive another refugee in Greece on account of the desperate situation which now prevails. I replied that I did not believe that the American relief associations could give any definite guarantees whatever but that it was my personal opinion that they would help to the extent of their ability to take care temporarily of these Pontus refugees if they were brought here now in Greek vessels. I said also that it was my personal opinion that Greek authorities would injure their own cause before world public opinion if under conditions now existing in Black Sea ports they refused to receive any more Pontus refugees but that I did not desire to interfere or influence their [Page 451] decision. Thereupon another Cabinet meeting was held which decided to resume sending ships for Pontus refugees at once.
- Not printed.↩