868.797/2: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (Skinner) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 25—2:30 p.m.]
2. Department’s 1, January 24, 6 p.m. Government now considering ratification of contract which would give British concern monopoly of transportation in and about Athens, including free importation of motor vehicles, repair parts and spirit [supplies?]; and since concessionaires are supported by direct British Government loan under safeguarding of industries scheme, they must in return for such support buy British cars and supplies exclusively. On January 14 I objected to ratification of any contract which granted special privileges as to import duties on motor busses, et cetera, not equally granted to American vehicles and also to ratification of contract which Government had reason to know would prevent transportation monopoly from buying cars and supplies in any market. My recommendation is that Department approve my objections and instruct me to support formally open-door policy with respect to this or any similar Government contract. Matter directly affects Ford Company as over two hundred Ford busses are now in operation in Athens and business constantly increasing.