868.00/11–2246: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh)
1503. There follows summary developments to date re possible Greek complaint to UN on frontier disturbances:
On Nov 18 Greek Ambassador asked Secretary49 whether he thought Greece should bring matter before UN and if so whether it had best be done before GA, invoking Art 14 or some other art, or by getting Sec Gen Lie to present question to SC under Art 99. (Lie reported to have indicated willingness to suggest despatch of investigating commission.) As third alternative Amb said Greeks might merely ask Sec Gen to circulate statement of case among GA members with Greek Govt reserving right to request specific action later if difficulties continued. Further suggested possibility of Big Four committee of inquiry outside framework of UN.
Amb was informed Nov 21 that before bringing matter to attention UN we felt Greeks should be quite sure they had good case well prepared. If they decided to go ahead they would be well advised to present case to SC and request appointment of commission to conduct on-the-spot investigation. It was pointed out to them that present discussions of veto question in UN50 would make Soviet veto more difficult than had been case when Ukrainian complaint was before Council. Moreover Sov opposition in former case was based on argument that commission to investigate Albania as well as Greece would indicate Albania was at fault, whereas complaint was brought against Greece not Albania. If Greece were complainant and investigation broadened to include Yugo, this argument would be less applicable.
On Nov 21 Brit Emb told us51 Bevin had received request for advice whether Tsaldaris should come personally to US to present case. He was replying that this was for Greek Govt decide and he could not attempt influence them one way or another.52
[Page 268]Greeks have not put this question to us but we have told Brit that if we are asked we shall make same reply as Bevin.
Rptd to CFM, Amdel, New York, for Secretary.
- Actually, the Greek Ambassador had sought the views of the Secretary of State in a letter of November 18 to Mr. Reber, Acting Chief of the Division of Southern European Affairs (501.BC Greece/11–1846).↩
- For documentation on this subject, see volume i .↩
- In aide-mémoire 292/248/46, not printed.↩
- The Greek Prime Minister departed for the United States on December 1.↩