768.75/4–2246
Memorandum by the State-War-Navy
Coordinating Committee to the Secretary
of State
secret
SWN 4173
Washington, 22 April,
1946.
In response to a request by the Acting State Member, State-War-Navy
Coordinating Committee, dated 11 April 1946, for an estimate of the
strategic value to Greece and Albania of the Northern Epirus area, the
Joint Chiefs of Staff have advised the State-War-Navy Coordinating
Committee as follows:
- “a. The Northern Epirus area is
mountainous. In this area are the most important passes and
terrain barriers between the northern plains of Albania and
the Greek frontier. The zone includes no ports or airfields
of importance. It has some mineral wealth and the meager
surplus food production of the area is of considerable
importance to Albania, which as a whole is deficient in food
production.
- “b. In all probability Greece can
successfully defend her present frontier against Albania
attacking alone. Acquisition of Northern Epirus by Greece
would strengthen her defensive capabilities but not to the
extent of guaranteeing successful defense against any
coalition or combination of nations including
Albania.
- “c. Unless preparations to
re-enforce Greece have been made in advance of attack, it is
improbable that acquisition of Northern Epirus would
strengthen her sufficiently to prevent a breakthrough by a
coalition or combination of nations before outside support
could become effective.
- “d. The loss of Northern Epirus by
Albania would deprive that nation of her only natural
defensive positions against attack from the south. The
converse is not true with respect to Greece, since her
present boundary gives her control of terrain (along the
Albanian frontier) well suited to defense.
- “e. Albania is now dependent upon
import of some food from Yugoslavia. Loss of Northern
Epirus, considered by Albania to be a part of her territory,
coupled with loss of the food products of that area, would
inevitably force even closer economic and military
cooperation with Yugoslavia and possibly might result in
Albania joining as a part of the Yugoslav
confederation.
- “f. Cession of this territory to
Greece is likely to be followed by guerrilla warfare, which
could endanger peace in the Balkans.”
For the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee:
John D. Hickerson
Acting Chairman
