868.24/11–846
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh)
Dear Mr. Ambassador: Since the return of the Secretary,40 there have been a number of conferences with regard to the policy which we should pursue concerning the question of providing such arms and military supplies to Greece as might be necessary to maintain law and order and to preserve the territorial integrity of that country.
On the one hand, we do not wish the Greeks to obtain the impression that our interest in the maintenance of Greek territorial integrity and independence is not sufficiently deep to cause us to run the risk of internal or international criticism arising from the supply of arms and military equipment to Greece. On the other hand, we have concern lest in case we supply arms and military equipment to Greece the impression be obtained that we are carrying on a provocative policy with regard to the Soviet Union and its Balkan puppets and are encouraging the outbreak of open warfare in the Balkans.
The decision has finally been made that since British troops are in Greece and since in the past Great Britain has been supplying Greece with arms and military equipment, it would be preferable for the Greeks to continue to obtain such supplies from Great Britain rather than from the United States. The Secretary discussed this matter with Mr. Bevin while in Paris and the Foreign Minister agreed that it might be wise at this juncture for Greece to look to Great Britain rather than to the United States for arms and military equipment.
[Page 263]The Secretary, on his part, informed Mr. Bevin that we would try to aid Greece in other ways; that, in particular, we would endeavor to strengthen the economic position of Greece.
We are hoping, therefore, that you will find it possible to discourage the Greeks from asking us for arms and military equipment and to let them know that it would be preferable for them to address requests of this kind to the British Government. You might also pass the word along to the military and naval attachés of the Embassy so that they will adopt the same attitude when approached by the Greeks on the subject.
In case the Greeks should ask the British for arms and military equipment which the latter are not able to furnish but which we are in a position to provide, Ave might be prepared to furnish such supplies to Great Britain for delivery to Greece. It might even be possible, if this method of indirect furnishing of arms and military equipment should not in certain circumstances be feasible, to consider furnishing certain supplies direct.
We feel sure that in the various discussions which may arise in this connection with appropriate Greek officials, you will be able to make it clear that our reluctance to furnish military equipment direct is not due to any unwillingness on our part openly to support Greece in its efforts to retain its independence and territorial integrity but rather to our feeling that in the world situation the wiser course would be for the Greeks to look to Great Britain.
Any suggestions which you may care to offer with regard to our decision in this important matter would be appreciated.
With kindest personal regards,
- From the Paris Peace Conference.↩