868.20 Missions/12–1347: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
6464. For Lovett from the Ambassador. A day or so ago I casually mentioned to Bevin I would probably want to talk with him about our respective military missions in Greece, Today I discussed the matter with him (Deptel 5213, December 11).
He had in front of him a memorandum from Alexander, but frankly confessed that he knew little about the subject. He was tentatively not disposed to agree to complete integration of the two missions, as suggested in Athens 2086, December 3, thought there was possibility of integration of planning staff with operational advice and supply matters to be handled by American personnel and training by the British.
It was his opinion that the best way to resolve the matter was to leave it to the devices of the head of the British Military Mission in Washington and Eisenhower. He suggested, however, that I discuss the matter further with Alexander, whom he will ask to get in touch with me Monday or Tuesday.1
- Ambassador Douglas reviewed the substance of telegram 6464 for the Secretary of State in a memorandum of December 16 and then suggested: “It is not necessary for you, when you meet Bevin, to discuss the details. It would, however, have an important influence on him were you to express your deep interest in Greece, and your conviction, so many times stated by cable, that Greece is a joint US-UK responsibility.” (841.2368/12–1647) In a marginal notation of January 10, 1948, on telegram 6464, Clifford C. Matlock of Mr. McGhee’s staff wrote: “No reply. This matter discussed w. Gen Livesay & others interested on Dec 29 in Washington. Initiative now rests with, Gen Livesay (US) and Gen Rawlins (UK) in Athens.”↩