868.20/10–2947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Mission for Aid to Greece
Gama 379. For Griswold. Dept approves application of six million dollars toward formation National Defense Corps of estimated 32 battalions or 16,000 men (your figures) (Ref L240 and War 89156) in place of permanent increase of 10,000 in size regular army approved Gama 209.1 This action on assumption change has your approval as indicated by Livesay in L240 even though it involves through use of Greek equipment Defense Corps larger than you originally proposed to Sophoulis. Tsaldaris made strong plea to Dept yesterday for Defense Corps. Army Dept being advised State Dept approval and will proceed implementation. In future believe recommendations to Secretary on such matters having your approval should come through Dept channels. Please advise your estimate total drachma expenditure necessary to equip and maintain 32 battalions.