868.00/3–1248: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the American Mission for Aid to Greece
Gama 398. For Emb and AMAG. ERP bill now being debated in Congress has provision which would make available immediately upon enactment $1 billion for interim expenditures under Act prior to passage related appropriations bill. Hoped that legislation will be enacted first half April.
2. In preliminary and exploratory conversations, Dept is informing representatives of participating countries amounts tentatively scheduled for planning purposes for each emphasizing that no commitment can be made at this time, and that discussions should be begun immediately relating to (a) bilateral agreement and (b) program of first quarter requirements for which Greek representatives informed tentative Greek figure $55 million.
3. While discussions mentioned para 2 above will in case of most countries be held primarily in Washington, Greek representatives informed in view special nature of Greek program Dept will look to Mission for programming first quarter’s requirements, and that agreement will probably be negotiated in Athens.
4. Dept’s views on scope of agreement with Greek Govt will be telegraphed after consultation here with Howard. Basis on which $55 million figure was determined, including data on availabilities, etc. will be telegraphed soonest to serve as guide to AMAG in preparing tentative program in collaboration Greek Govt.