611.6831/138
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Greece (MacVeagh)
Sir: Reference is made to your despatch No. 209 of April 4, 1934, relative to the barter terms involved in the present compensation policy of the Greek Government and their effect upon American interests as illustrated by the recently rejected bid of the Neptune Water Meter Company in competition with certain German companies.
[Page 551]The Department is pleased to note the statement made to you by the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs to the effect that he had discussed the case of the Neptune Water Meter Company with the Minister of National Economy and that he believed that this Company would secure a substantial part of the award now pending for supplying water meters to the Municipality of Athens.
The Department also notes with gratification that pursuant to your discussions with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the latter has indicated to you that he wishes to prevent undue emphasis from being placed upon the barter policy and that he has invited you to bring to his attention further instances of discrimination which may be disadvantageous to Greece. The Department concurs in your belief that the foregoing declaration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs offers the Legation an excellent opportunity for appropriate action in connection with individual complaints and feels that you are to be commended for having elicited this invitation on the part of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Very truly yours,