868.20/10–2248: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
Gama 1329. In separate tel NDE requesting from JUSMAPG estimated FY 50 ground, air, and naval requirements Grk Aid Program due here Dec 10. In accordance request received only this date preliminary estimates needed here by Nov 22 for presentation Bur Budget. JUSMAPG is being requested transmit recommendations to Chief AMAG for transmission Washington with appropriate comment. Re-quirements requested on two bases:
- a.
- Assuming maintenance Grk mil est on basis strength authorized Gama 1321;1
- b.
- Assuming maintenance Grk mil est on any other basis deemed essential for achievement US objectives including such other factors as illustrated NDE reftel. Assumption should be made for purposes of study that mil operations in Greece may require US support for as long as two or three years. Since arrangements not yet made for transfer responsibility feeding Grk Army to Grk economy estimates requested for ration requirements.
Dept views with respect basis Grk Aid Program given Gama’s 12462 and 1321 remain unchanged. Dept moreover in thorough accord your own views given Amag 1613.3 As background Dept wishes, however, highlight following factors:
- a.
- Increased demands being made upon increasingly limited US mil supplies for needs in other countries, some of which may have higher priority than Grk Aid Program.
- b.
- Cong will probably be reluctant to increase level mil support to Greece in light relatively poor utilization by GNA since Grammos operation.
- c.
- Despite above factors overall US mil objective remains to reestablish internal security in Greece and your recommendation should include all reasonable assistance required to achieve this objective.