740.00119 E.W./4–2246
Memorandum by the Acting Department of State Member of the State-War-Navy Coordinating Committee (Hickerson) to the Secretary of the Full Committee
On April 22, the Department of State received a memorandum from the Greek Embassy reading in part as follows:
“It should be pointed out that the rectification of the Greco-Bulgarian frontier demanded by Greece has a double object: (1) to [Page 150] strengthen Greece’s territorial defense by obtaining a new stronger line or frontier than the existing one; and (2) as a logical consequence of the above, to give the Greek frontier populations that indisputable feeling of security today lacking after all they have suffered as the result of repeated Bulgarian inroads, so that in the future they may devote themselves, free from all anxiety, to their peaceful occupations.”
Despite the development of new military weapons, the Greek Government—
“… insists absolutely that the moving of the present frontier inside Bulgarian territory and further away from the sea from which it is at present distant, at the narrowest point of the territory in question, only some 30 kilometers, will most certainly strengthen Greece’s defense against the Bulgarian danger and so avert the possibility of a fait accompli in the future. For notwithstanding all recent discoveries in the art of war, it remains an indisputable fact that the possession of a naturally strong line contributes in no small measure to an army’s effective defense of the national territory against an aggressor. It does, in fact, permit of a delaying action and makes it possible in the meanwhile, in the event of the aggressor getting the upper hand, to effect a tactical retreat of regrouping of the main forces and the preparation of new defensive positions. The experience of the late war, as of previous wars, fully Dears this out.”94
In view of the fact that the Greek Government has already approached the Council of Foreign Ministers in Paris in an attempt to secure their backing for the rectification of the Greco-Bulgarian frontier as indicated above, the Department of State would very much appreciate receiving from the Joint Chiefs of Staff a study evaluating the strategic elements which are involved in the Greek request as indicated in their memorandum under reference.
In view of the fact that the problem has already been presented to the Council of Foreign Ministers, expedition on the part of the Joint Chiefs of a reply to this memorandum would be greatly appreciated.
If further information on this subject is desired in connection with this request, Mr. Harry Howard, Division of International Organization Affairs, Department of State, is available for consultation and may be reached on State extension 2928.
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Quoted from an undated memorandum transmitted on April 10 by the Greek Charge in the United Kingdom (Mostras) to the Secretary General of the Council of Foreign Ministers at London. A copy was sent to the Department on April 23 by the Greek Embassy with note 1980, April 22.
The memorandum set forth the views of the Greek Government on the terms of the Treaty of Peace with Bulgaria: see also bracketed note and Greek Embassy pro memoria note 1985, April 23, vol. ii, pp. 50 and 84, respectively.
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