Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

868.20/9–1548: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece

secret

Washington, September 15, 1948—7 p. m.

Gama 1282. In meeting with Grk Amb Aug 31 Sec emphasized importance pursuing present military campaign against guerrillas with utmost vigor during remainder current season, and that any tendency relax military effort during this season should be resisted.

In memo Sep 8¹ Grk Amb states agreement Grk Govt with statement by Sec but attempts establish inconsistency between See’s statement and recent letter of Gen Van Fleet to Chief Grk Gen Staff. Memo says in part: Van Fleet emphasizes necessity reducing Army to approved force 132,000, plus 50,000 Natl Guard, even before Oct 20, 1948. Reason for this measure, as stated Gen Van Fleet’s letter, is that eventual overdrawing credit by end Dec 1948 would necessitate large reduction size armed forces by next spring when strong forces might be required for resumption large-scale operations. Also Gen Van Fleet, after considering credits available, announces eventual further reduction army. Also specifically asks study be made for possible reduction Natl Guard to 20,000 men. Balance Grk note concerned with tasks facing Grk Army in effort show impossibility reducing Grk armed forces.

Dept reply Grk memorandum proposes reiterate position Sec there must be no letdown present campaign against guerrillas, but also to add following, which calculated strengthen your hand any subsequent discussions Grk Govt affecting reduction armed forces and at same time transfer detailed discussions this subject to Athens: Not possible this early date predict outcome this campaign, however, in event it does succeed in bringing guerrilla menace effectively under control, is incumbent upon Dept and AMAG, in accordance with expressed wish Congress, work for early reduction U.S. expenditures for direct support Grk military establishment. This will be matter continued discussion between Ambassador Grady and Gen Van Fleet and your govt as military situation develops, and you can be assured views your govt will be given full consideration before any action taken.

Before replying Grk Emb Dept would appreciate your views foregoing and info that has thus far been communicated Grk Govt with respect possible reductions in size or cost Grk armed forces. In view possible morale effects Dept has assumed in Gama 1246² that plans with respect future support Grk armed forces would not be discussed with Grk Govt pending outcome current campaign and submission Dept your recommendation.³

Marshall

1. Not printed.
2. Dated August 16, p. 135.
3. Ambassador Grady advised on September 29 of his belief that the Department was correct in making Athens rather than Washington the place to carry on discussions concerning reductions in the Greek armed forces. He noted that it had “not been possible to develop a realistic program of considerable reductions for this calendar year due to slowing down of operations following Grammos victory.” He stated also that Lieutenant General Van Fleet’s conversations on reductions with Greek officials had been limited to eliminating the overstrength beyond agreed limits (telegram Amag 1582, 868.20/9–2948).