868.51 Struma Valley/37: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Morris)

70. Department has been informed by Ulen and Company that the Greek Government has demanded a modification of the Monks-Ulen contract entered into on October 20, 1928,59 and has threatened cancellation as a means of forcing the American companies to accept terms which would result in serious losses. It is reported that the Greek Government has appointed a commission to study the question and that this commission is composed of competing contractors and is therefore biased.

Please render Mr. Shepperd of the Ulen Company now in Athens every appropriate assistance and inform the Greek Government that this Government expects that no action will be taken in violation of the terms and spirit of the contract without the consent of the American companies whose services to Greece in the reclamation projects of the Struma valley need hardly be emphasized.

Stimson