840.50 UNRRA/4–1245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece ( MacVeagh ) to the Secretary of State
Athens
, April 12,
1945—11 a.m.
[Received 2:02 p.m.]
[Received 2:02 p.m.]
377. Urgent for Lehman,10 UNRRA, for personal and immediate attention, [from] Maben UNRRA, Athens. UNRRA’s No. 76.
- 1.
- By agreement with Greek Government, Greek Mission is not an operating mission. It advises, observes and provides technical assistance. Success under these conditions presupposes government of sufficient power and competence to carry out agreed UNRRA Greek Government policies. In action successful relief and rehabilitation program requires ability of government to organize and utilize its own resources so that UNRRA aid implements and supplements productivity of Greek economy.
- 2.
- Considered view of Greek Mission that none of above minimum conditions for successful action exist in Greece today nor likely to exist in foreseeable future. We realize that solution lies outside of UNRRA responsibilities, but all rehabilitation activities doomed to failure until Greek Government is in position to fulfill obligations set forth in above paragraph.
- 3.
- Since mission activities will be greatly restricted and it may be necessary for mission to assume operational control of allocation and distribution of relief goods at any time, you may wish to bring facts to attention of Council11 members and make it clear that UNRRA cannot be held responsible for failure of rehabilitation program.
- 4.
- Our position made clear to British and American Ambassadors. Assume each will comment through appropriate channels. Cannot emphasize too strongly necessity for advising Council members that under present conditions UNRRA Greek program will be reduced to feeding activities and restricted health and sanitation operations. Urgent you keep mission continuously advised of actions taken or contemplated. Confirm receipt of this wire. [Maben.]
MacVeagh