868.51/3–647
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of War (Patterson)1
My Dear Mr. Secretary: As you know the President has recently approved a policy which, recognizing the existing threat to the independence of Greece and Turkey and the inability of the British to continue major financial responsibilities in connection with these countries, calls for immediate steps to be taken by this Government to extend all possible aid to Greece and in a lesser extent to Turkey. It is of importance to the security of the United States that these two countries should be able to maintain their independence and territorial integrity. The situation in Greece is desperate and the President, who has already discussed his intentions with Congressional leaders, plans to present to Congress within the next few days proposed legislation which would permit this Government to extend financial aid to Greece for economic reconstruction, to furnish arms and equipment in sufficient quantity to permit the Greek Army to restore internal order, and to detail American personnel to insure the effective utilization of such aid. It is felt that in view of the President’s decision and of the urgency of the situation in Greece, first priority for transferable military equipment should be assigned to Greece.
It is suggested that in order to expedite action on the approved policy towards Greece, a committee be formed at once of representatives from the War, Navy and State Departments under the chairmanship of a War Department representative. This committee could immediately initiate steps to determine the kind and extent of military supplies needed by the Greek armed forces, to take all required steps for their procurement and shipment, and make the necessary arrangements, through American observers on the spot, to insure their effective utilization in Greece.
If such a procedure is acceptable, I am prepared to designate appropriate officers of the State Department to cooperate in such a committee.
Sincerely yours,
- Mr. Acheson sent an identical letter to Secretary of the Navy Forrestal on March 6.↩