868.20/11–1747: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1842. Gama 464. For Emb and Griswold. Nov. 12 letter from Sec Army1 (ref Gama 379 and 406 and Amag 4252) asks assurance further funds beyond aproved six million dollars will be available if this amount inadequate form National Defense Corps 32 battalions which Army thinks size committed. Dept reply states in substance: (1) a Dept letter of Oct. 291 (see Gama 379) indicated approval switch six million dollars from permanent increase 10,000 men in Greek National Army to formation Greek National Defense Corps; (2) this effectively withdrew Dept approval permanent increase 10,000 men in Greek National Army; (3) Dept has received no proposals from Ambassador and Chief of Mission re either exact size Greek National Defense Corps or change in set amount six million dollars (figures given in Amag 425 understood to represent only estimates of what can be done with six million plus any savings in rationing and equipment through Gendarmerie reduction); (4) Dept therefore unaware any commitment re exact size National Defense Corps.
Please advise if foregoing is not in accordance with your understanding or if you have any different recommendations at this time.