868.51/12–145: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 2—2:20 p.m.]
1383. Mytels 1248, November 5 and 1255, November 6. Deputy Prime Minister Tsouderos30 addressed letters to me and British Ambassador dated November 29 requesting substantially same kinds economic support sought by Kanellopoulos Govt.
On my instructions Rankin called on Tsouderos yesterday to discuss various points raised his letter and to suggest Greek Ambassador Washington present requests for aid directly to Dept which Tsouderos said would be done.
[Page 275]Letter refers open market price gold pound 65,000 drachmas (price declined from peak 78,000 November 20 to 55,000 November 27 and subsequently rose again) as evidence urgency action reassure public. Mentions one of measures which might favorably influence situation as “public announcement” soonest that Allies will support Greek exports in “positive manner and particularly by means of credits”. More specifically Tsouderos considers necessary Greek Govt should be able announce following:
- 1.
- That sterling equivalent of Greek currency advances to British troops in Greece can be utilized purchase goods abroad.
- 2.
- That Allies will “discount” portion reparations due Greece to extent of forced loans obtained during occupation by Germans and Italians totaling 90 million dollars.
- 3.
- That out of above sum (2) Allies will turn over Greece share of gold confiscated in Germany.
Tsouderos letter continues with opinion that if above could be announced at early date together with well thought out economic financial program prepared in collaboration with “Allied” experts expected arrive soon the people’s psychology would change and “courage” would return.
In conversation Rankin inquired how Greek Govt intended use 90 million dollars requested. Tsouderos replied immediate purpose psychological but might be urgently needed next year depending extent UNRRA operations. Gold also desired psychological reasons but indicated no intention local purchases and sales, adding bars bullion satisfactory. When questioned whether intending alter exchange rates currently preventing Greek exports and reducing remittances, replied he prefers announce action simultaneously rest program.
- Emmanuel Tsouderos, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Coordination in the Themistocles Sophoulis government formed on November 22, 1945.↩