Office of the Historian

868.24/125

The Greek Minister (Diamantopoulos) to the Under Secretary of State (Welles)

[Washington,] February 27, 1941.

My Dear Mr. Secretary: In connection with the matter we discussed in our last conversation, I beg to enclose herewith a short notice outlining the point for which I should appreciate your kind assistance.

I venture to draw your attention to the matter and leave it to Your Excellency to develop it as you think advisable.

I am, my dear Mr. Secretary,

Sincerely yours,

C. Diamantopoulos
[Enclosure]

Memorandum by the Greek Legation

1.
The Greek Government is informed that the Argentine Government keep in storage a considerable amount of 75, 0.105 and 155 caliber shells which are greatly needed for the Greek forces.
2.
For reasons of general policy, the Argentine Government are not inclined to release to the Greek Government part of the aforesaid shells.
3.
It would be advisable to inquire if there is any possibility of acquiring, without delay, these shells through the United States services acting as buyers or in any other capacity. In case such a deal could materialize, the Greek Government would be willing to place simultaneously an order with the United States factories for similar shells to replace those to be eventually released by the Argentine Government.