868.5151/262: Telegram

The Minister in Greece ( MacVeagh ) to the Secretary of State

93. A recent Greek decree requires all foreigners established here to convert into drachmas their entire earnings from business done or services rendered in Greece. See the last paragraph of my despatch number 3042 of May 15.9 Although the Minister of Finance promises benevolent enforcement he indicates that exceptional treatment will be granted only upon individual application, the decision resting with the Greek authorities as to who should be considered “established” and how badly he needs his money at home. The British and French Legations have urgently requested instructions from their respective Foreign Offices and in the event that protests are made to the Greek Government the Department may wish to authorize me to take parallel action.

MacVeagh
  1. Not printed.