868.2222/4
The Greek Prime Minister (Tsouderos) to the Under Secretary of State
(Welles)
Washington, June 16,
1942.
My Dear Mr. Welles: Relative to the question
of mobilization of Greek subjects in America about which I had the honor
to speak to you last evening, I enclose herewith a brief notation
wherein I explain our plan on the subject.
I deemed it appropriate to send also the attached note concerning the
financial problem89 which is now being anxiously considered by my
colleague the Minister of Finance.
I hope that before our departure from America I shall have the honor to
greet you personally and to express to you once more our deepest
gratitude for the very cordial reception which was accorded to us by all
and especially by the United States Government.
Yours very sincerely,
[Page 818]
[Enclosure]
Memorandum by the Greek Prime Minister (Tsouderos)
Concerning the Drafting of Greek Subjects90
The Greek subjects in the United States amount to one hundred
thousand. The drafting of these men for our Army in the Middle East
presents difficulties due to the distance and the consequent problem
of transporting them then becomes dangerous and expensive.
We are hoping that we shall be permitted to draft these Greeks in
America and to concentrate and train them here in groups in American
army centers under American officers together with Greek officers of
lower rank.
These Greek troops could be incorporated into larger American units
as this is being done in the Middle East where Greek brigades are
incorporated into British divisions. The armament, equipment and
maintenance of these troops in the Middle East is borne by the
British under a system similar to the Lease-Lend.
If the above suggestions were accepted, the drafting of Greek
subjects could be extended to South America also, whence it would be
convenient to transport the recruits to serve in the Greek regiments
in this country.
Washington,
June 15,
1942.
