868.00/5–1447: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
640. Indications are that Greek Turkish Aid Bill may be signed by President within next two or three days. President will at that time make public statement.
Following steps will then be taken in order indicated:
- (1)
- Dept will send note to Greek Govt in reply to Greek note of March 3. This will announce enactment of enabling legislation and indicate that US would welcome an indication from Greek Govt of its general plans for utilizing US assistance and of Greek willingness to enter into negotiations leading up to an agreement between the two Govts concerned on terms of utilization.
- (2)
- In response to foregoing Greek Govt should then address note to US outlining in broad terms its economic program and its desire to conclude at earliest possible time agreement acceptable to both Govts for implementation of US Aid Program. Draft suggestion of items which Dept feels essential should be included in such note will be telegraphed to you within next few days for discussion with Greek Govt.
- (3)
- Negotiations will then be started for signing of agreement between US and Greek Govts.
You should inform PriMin of foregoing proposed schedule in order that Greek Govt will not address formal communication to US immediately upon signing of bill but will await note from US Govt. We expect, of course, that public statements will be issued in Athens by Greek Govt or Greek leaders when bill is signed but these will not constitute direct and formal communications to US Govt.