Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The Near East and Africa, Volume VII

768.75/4–2546: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Gallman) to the Secretary of State

London, April 25, 1946—5 p.m.
[Received April 26—6:39 a.m.]

4472. FonOff today made following observations to US regarding Greek territorial claims. FonOff has all along advised Greek Govt not to present editorial [territorial] claims because Albanians and Bulgarians would doubtless present counter claims. Situation has now changed because Greeks have put forth their claims.

FonOff believes that Council of Foreign Ministers might appoint a sub-committee or commission to give a hearing to Greek claims. FonOff having arrived at conclusion that Greek claims in any case would not be satisfied because Bulgarians and Albanians would be supported by Soviets. A result of this would be that Greeks would be turned down and the chief blame, from Greek point of view, would be thrown on Soviet Union.

All shades of opinion in Greece from extreme Right to extreme Left support these claims. Sympathetic consideration should be given to the Greeks because of depredations made on Greek editors [territories?] by both Bulgarians and Albanians.

Mr. Bevin will apparently bring this up with Mr. Byrnes in Paris.

Sent Dept as 4472; repeated to Paris as 303.

Gallman