868.20/10–1148: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
Gama 1307. Ur comments and recommendations requested re Grk memo Sept 30 (Embtel 1969-1) copy just received but not yet studied ur recommendation whether GNA should be authorized continue Particular urgency, light penultimate para War L 1908 Sept 30, is 10,000 of 15,000 overstrength scheduled for reduction Oct 20.
[Page 158]This connection, Dept recommends possibility extending military service beyond 24 months be thoroughly explored as means retaining trained personnel and eliminating necessity 10,000 spaces for replacement system. In Dept’s view 24 months tour duty expensive and inappropriate under present emergency, and Dept Army considers it waste trained manpower.
Dept addressing letter to Sec Defense requesting concurrence in allotment additional $25,000,000 to Turkey as approved Amag 1581.2 Further allotments between Greece and Turkey from remaining $25,000,000 being deferred pending developments guerrilla war and receipt detailed presentation requirements which Army requesting from Van Fleet.