Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, European Advisory Commission, Austria, Germany, Volume III

740.00119 EW/1–546

The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State

Athens, January 5, 1946—1 p.m.
[Received 7:02 p.m.]

14. Mytel 5, January 2²⁴ and urtel 1306, December 29. Note from MinFonAff²⁴ today states inner Cabinet has decided maintain refusal sign reparations settlement since by signing “Greece would appear to recognize an act which she nevertheless considers absolutely unjust.” Note adds that Greek Delegation, whatever its weaknesses, had received most encouraging assurances from Allied Delegations that Greek allotment would take account not only of figures submitted but of Greece’s finances and her disproportionately high losses. Note concludes with expression MinFonAff’s hope “justice will be rendered, if only retroactively”.

Angell’s telegram January 1 from Paris;²⁵ repeated to Dept as 1 and 200 received here January 3 after above decision taken but substance is being communicated forcibly to FonOff. Meanwhile I have let Sofianopoulos²⁶ read it in its entirety, and urged again most strongly that psychologically in Greece known interests in connection with her relationships with the other United Nations her signature is desirable no matter what reservations she may wish to make on the side. He said he understands final date of publication has been postponed till January 15 and stated he intends go further into the matter on his arrival in London.

Sent Dept as 14, repeated Paris as 1.

MacVeagh

24. Not printed.
24. Not printed.
25. Not printed; in this telegram Mr. Angell argued that Greek claims were overestimated and that Greece had received fair treatment (740.00119 EW/1–146).
26. Mr. Soflanopoulos was Chairman of the Greek Delegation to the first session of the United Nations General Assembly which opened in London on January 10, 1946.