Office of the Historian

808.20/10–2248: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece

secret   us urgent
Washington, October 31, 1948—4 p. m.

Gama 1321. After thorough discussion with Natl Mil Def Est and consideration memo from Sec,1 Amag 1605, 1613, 1614,2 and Amag Despatch 261,3 Dept approves new GNA ceiling 147,000, representing increase 15,000 rather than 20,000 recommended Amag 1613, subject following limitations, in which Dept concurs, which were stipulated in memo received from Sec Def4 approving increase:

(a)
Expenditures to be met from 150 million presently allocated FY 1949 Grk military aid program.
(b)
No additional equipment involved, only rations and uniforms.
(c)
Twenty-four month service period be lengthened in accordance demands present critical situation.

You are authorized negotiate with Grk Govt and approve 15,000 increase when above concessions and any others you consider desirable have been obtained. You need give no prior notice to Dept. No prior announcement will be made here.

Dept appreciates this not satisfactory response from Grk standpoint to Sophoulis note, however feels that we must forestall further delay GNA action based on illusion increased forces will be made available to accomplish task at hand. If you concur suggest you inform Grk Govt when you agree 15,000 increase that though decision does not constitute complete reply to memo Sept 30,5 US authorities believe no further expansion GNA justified since convinced effective leadership and employment of present forces can eliminate guerrilla menace present proportions.

[Page 179]

You may, in your discretion, amplify your remarks along following lines: Since President’s statement March 12, 1947 number nations urgently requesting US military assistance has multiplied. US determination to aid Greece has not diminished in any respect, but in view tremendous and increasing demands US cannot distribute to any one nation more money and supplies than it can use effectively. Dept deeply concerned at public statements made or inspired by Grk officials that size and equipment GNA inadequate to task and continued partisan political bickering, which serve to lower morale Grk forces and civilians and cause increasingly unfavorable US press comment.6

Dept heartily endorses proposals made last paragraph ur Amag 1613. Sec has seen and concurs.7

Lovett
  1. Dated October 20, p. 162.↩
  2. Printed on pp. 160, 168, and 170, respectively.↩
  3. Dated October 13, not printed.↩
  4. To Acting Secretary Lovett, October 28, not printed.↩
  5. See telegram 1969, October 1, from Athens, p. 155.↩
  6. The views set forth in this telegram were conveyed by Ambassador Grady to Prime Minister Sophoulis in a letter of November 2, in reply to the latter’s memorandum of September 30. The letter also sanctioned an increase of 700 officers and men for the Greek air force, raising its authorized strength to 7200. This increase had previously been approved by the Department but the Greek Government had not been informed (memorandum of November 9 from Mr. Satterthwaite to Mr. Lovett, 868.00/11–948). Ambassador Grady transmitted a copy of his letter in despatch Amag 272, November 9 (868.20/11–948).↩
  7. In telegram 4691, October 31, 5 p. m., from London; received October 31, 11:26 a. m. (868.20/10–3148).↩