868.24/88: Telegram
The Minister in Greece ( MacVeagh ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:37 p.m.]
147. The Greek Chief of Staff today urgently requested Captain Johnson60 to ascertain by telegraph whether the American Army or American industries can supply Greece promptly with 150 French 75–millimeter guns, 150 37-to 47-millimeter anti-tank guns, 30 light tanks and 5 or 6 anti-aircraft batteries with appurtenances.
In view of the existing impediments to delivery, the General’s request would appear to merit comment. He maintained that transportation can be found which may of course be possible though it appears to me highly unlikely. But the possibility cannot be wholly excluded that he may be lending himself to some German maneuver to sew up remaining American material in advance of further Allied orders, since German influence here is increasing by leaps and bounds.
- Capt. Max S. Johnson, formerly Assistant Military Attaché in France, on temporary duty in Greece pending arrival of permanent Military Attaché.↩