868.00/8–2449: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom 1
3099. In view importance support given by Alb to Grk guerrillas, which is emphasized at present moment when Grk forces driving guerrillas back into Alb, Grk Govt has suggested US, Brit, and France might make further démarche at Tirana. Dept agrees Alb is key to present military sit in Greece and that if guerrillas could be prevented from reorganizing and rearming in Alb, and then returning to resume struggle in Greece whole problem would be largely [Page 393] solved. UNSCOB report of Aug 22 now released singles out Alb as principal source foreign aid to guerrillas.
While realizing past approaches Tirana have had little if any effect, Dept thinks changing circumstances such as isolation Alb from direct contact with Cominform, recent successes Grk armed forces, and possibility that Cominform is becoming discouraged over Grk sit, warrant another attempt. Possibility seems to exist that Hoxha may be alarmed at his position and disposed improve relations with West.
Pls convey foregoing to FonOff and ask whether Govt to which you accredited would be willing join US Govt in communication to Alb Govt along following lines: (We would wish French Min to make presentation on behalf of 3 Govts)
“Govts of US, Great Brit, and France have received completely convincing evidence that Govt of Alb has continued during recent months provide arms, ammunition and other essential supplies to guerrillas fighting against legal Govt of Greece. Three Govts wish to point out this in direct violation recommendations GA of UN contained resolution of Nov 27, 1948.3 Continuance such actions by Alb Govt can only bring on it world condemnation and work against interests of Alb people.
Three Govts further note that large numbers defeated Grk guerrillas have recently sought refuge in Alb. Past experience shows that they will attempt reorganize and re-arm themselves under protection Alb flag with object of returning to Greece a process which rep assembly of world opinion has repeatedly and unqualifiedly condemned. American, Brit and French Govts believe Alb Govt would be well advised in its own best interest take necessary measures prevent such reorganization and re-arming of guerrillas and their reentry into Greece. Further believe Alb’s position in community of nations would be greatly improved if its Govt would demonstrate its respect for world opinion and cooperation with UN by inviting reps of UN to visit localities in Alb where Grk guerrillas may be established and Alb-Grk frontier so that they may testify to character and efficacy of measures taken by Alb Govt.
Three Govts are strongly desirous of seeing adjustment relations between Alb and Grks and believe way for such adjustment will be open at forthcoming GA if Alb Govt demonstrates that it will not allow its territory to be used as base for guerrilla attacks on Greece.”4
- This telegram was also sent for action to Paris as 3204 and to Athens for information as 1416.↩
- See the second editorial note, p. 879.↩
- Regarding the resolution under reference here, see footnote 5 to telegram 308, Combal 368, February 19, from Athens, p. 254.↩
- In his telegram 1741, August 31, from Athens, not printed, Ambassador Grady expressed general agreement with the démarche proposed in this telegram, but he suggested stiffening some of the language (868.00/8–3149). In his telegram 743, September 3, from Sofia, not printed, Minister Heath thought the démarche would be both timely and useful on Western opinion but would have little impact on Albania (868.00/9–349).↩