868.50/12–145: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State 31
[Received December 2—12:30 p.m.]
1384. Mytel 1376, November 29. Proposals first three numbered paragraphs Deptel 1200, November 28 heartily welcomed. As to paragraph 4 would say present Greek Govt has so far not approached this Embassy regarding possibility US sending technical advisers but appears expecting British Economic Mission in accordance McNeil proposals and subsequent Bevin statement (mytels 1300, Nov 15 and 1331, November 2032). Should Greeks raise question US advisers [Page 276] believe preferable avoid duplicating British Mission as liable result not only more confusion than assistance but also undesirable involvement explained mytel 1304, November 16. In this connection British Ambassador assures me no intention giving British advisers administrative responsibility in Greek Ministries but presence such advisers in Greek Govt offices with aggressive British backing likely amount to same thing and certain be so interpreted by local opinion.
Suggest Dept’s desire give Greeks fuller economic guidance might best be implemented through offer send selected American technicians to act as individuals for specific duties rather than as group or “Mission” and be directly responsible to Greek Govt. In addition Embassy staff might be strengthened on economic side with an additional FSO33 preferably senior grade under Rankin (mytel 1146, October 1034) and a Treasury Attaché qualified to parallel Sir Quintin Hill. Policy questions would thus remain Dept’s and Embassy’s hands while Greek Govt would benefit advice upper technical level where most needed without objection undue foreign control.