Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1940, The British Commonwealth, The Soviet Union, The Near East and Africa, Volume III

868.24/90: Telegram

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

Washington, November 16, 1940—3 p.m.

266. Your No. 290, November 8, 7 p.m. The contents of your message have been conveyed to the President, who has expressed his sincere thanks for the Prime Minister’s cordial remarks regarding the recent elections in this country, and his appreciation of the considerations which have led to the Minister’s personal appeal for assistance to Greece.

As regards the latter, the President has instructed the appropriate authorities of this Government to pursue actively the negotiations which they have undertaken with the Greek Minister in Washington and the British Purchasing Commission in connection with the desire of Greece to obtain material in the United States.

In view of the extent to which the industry of the United States has already obligated itself to fill orders accepted from Great Britain, the Department believes that Greek purchases may most advantageously be handled through the British Commission and recommends the continuation of this procedure.

Welles