Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

868.00/11–2845: Telegram

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

Athens, November 28, 1945.
[Received November 29—6:30 a.m.]

1367. From Amb Grady.⁵⁷ Issued following statement Grk press today.

The President and the SecState have asked me to come to Greece, in response to the invitation of the Grk Govt, to join with other Allied reps in observing the forthcoming elections in this country.

It is a mission which I have been glad to undertake. We Americans have every confidence in the devotion of the Grk people to the ideals of liberty and democracy. We have also a keen sense of our responsibility to help them restore their sorely tried nation to political and economic health and well being.

It is for the Grk people to decide what kind of govt they want. I hope that our presence here will help reassure them that they can do so freely and fairly and without fear.

• [Grady]
• MacVeagh

57. Ambassador Henry F. Grady had arrived in Athens on November 27, accompanied by two of the ranking officers of the United States contingent of the Allied Mission: Maj. Gen. Harry J. Malony, U.S. Army, commanding officer of the American military component, and Foy D. Kohler, Secretary General.