868.014/11–1947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1857. While in US, Tsaldaris requested Dept publicly indicate approval of Greek ratification Italian peace treaty and our willingness to support Greek desire to present claim re Northern Epirus before CFM at some appropriate time. Such declaration, Tsaldaris states, would obviate necessity for Greece to raise this claim in UN debates on revision of Italian peace treaty. Dept believes Greek action in UN on this matter highly undesirable as would lend substance to Soviet charges that Greece has aggressive intentions in Balkans and is cause of unrest in area. Dept does not support Greek claim to Northern Epirus but support for Greek presentation of claim before CFM at appropriate time indicated by Secy Byrnes to Tsaldaris in Paris Sept 1946 and promised by Dept in letters to Congressmen in Jan 1947.
In view of above Dept has decided to issue following statement and will notify you of release date:
“US Govt has been pleased to learn Govt Greece completed ratification of treaty of peace with Italy on October 28. We consider this action as further evidence desire Greek Govt on its part to achieve peaceful relations with its neighbors. It is to be hoped that ratification Italian peace treaty will usher in new era cooperation among countries Eastern Mediterranean and provide basis for lasting peace and security this critical area.
The Italian peace treaty settles the problems which arose between Greece and Italy as a result of the war. Greece, which was the object of unprovoked aggression launched from neighboring countries, has made clear on a number of occasions that it has certain claims which could not be considered in connection with the Italian Treaty since they do not involve Italy. It is gratifying that the Government of Greece, instead of attempting to settle these claims by unilateral measures, is willing to leave them for consideration at some future time by the appropriate international organ.
The procedure followed by the Greek Government with respect to the Italian peace treaty demonstrates once again willingness Greece to cooperate in carrying out decisions reached by international agreement and intention Greece to seek attainment of its aims only through established and appropriate channels.”
Pls inform Gk Govt that US does not consider present as “appropriate time” mentioned in statement and would be unable to agree to consideration any Gk claims at forthcoming CFM meeting.
Sent Athens 1857; rpt Rome 2408.