868.48/3221
Press Release Issued by the Department of State, August 7, 1942
On the initiative of the Swedish Red Cross negotiations were undertaken some months ago through the Swedish Government regarding relief for the starving population of Greece. The Swedish [Page 772] Government having expressed its willingness that Swedish vessels lying in Swedish ports be employed for this purpose, the United States, British and Canadian Governments immediately declared themselves ready to authorize monthly shipments of 15,000 tons of wheat or flour from North America to Greece, subject to appropriate conditions governing the distribution of these imports and of Greek native produce in the interests of the Greek people and on the understanding that a neutral commission would receive the necessary control and reporting facilities from the occupying powers. Following the negotiations conducted by the Swedish Government, the German and Italian Governments agreed to this proposal. The belligerent powers have accordingly granted safe conducts for the voyages of the Swedish vessels which will be used. The first three, the Formosa, Eros and Camelia, have already loaded and are scheduled to leave Montreal today for Greece. A Swedish-Swiss Commission has been set up to handle the actual distribution of the supplies, under the general supervision of the existing organization of the International Red Cross Committee, in Greece.
The Greek Government, the American and Canadian Red Cross Societies, and the Greek War Relief Association are actively supporting and cooperating in the operation of this plan.
Reports reaching the Department from Greece have portrayed conditions of suffering from inanition and death from starvation appalling almost beyond belief.
Information has also been received through American officials recently returning from Europe confirming that the small quantities of foodstuffs which have been sent to Greece during the past year under United Nations’ auspices and with the cooperation of the Turkish Government have been effectively distributed through the agency of the International Red Cross Committee and consumed by the Greek people only. The reports of these officials indicate, however, that although these supplies have unquestionably saved many persons from death, they have been inadequate to prevent further deterioration of the general food supply situation.