868.24/112
Memorandum by Mr. George V. Allen of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs
The Greek Minister left with Mr. Murray the two attached lists of military supplies which Greece has expressed a desire to purchase [Page 601] in this country. According to the Minister the longer list, containing 27 items,85 may now be disregarded, in as much as the Greek Government, after canvassing the availability of dollar exchange for purchases in this country, has decided that it must limit very strictly the expenditure of the exchange available. The shorter list,86 containing six items, is said to be “rock-bottom” and to contain only material urgently needed. Only shells and cartridge cases are included in this list.
Mr. Condouriotis of the Greek Legation has informed the Near Eastern Division that he has learned that the American Government (Army or Navy) has on hand shells of the type listed in Items 3 and 6, and no others. Mr. Condouriotis said that Item 1 (Rondelle washers) could be obtained from the Bridgeport Brass Company and that this item had therefore been taken care of. He said that the Legation was most hopeful that the American Government would allow Greece to purchase from our own ordnance stores shells of the type listed in Items 3 and 6.
Mr. Condouriotis said that copies of the attached lists have been furnished by the Greek Minister to Mr. Philip Young, Chairman of the Interdepartmental Liaison Committee, Treasury Department.