Papers relating to the foreign relations of the United States, 1931, Volume I

462.00R296/4198: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Greece ( Skinner )

[Paraphrase]

Washington , June 29, 1931—8 p.m.

18. Reference is made to the last paragraph of your telegram No. 22, June 28, 11 a.m.⁶

1. The President’s proposal covers all payments on reparations, relief debts, and intergovernmental debts, both principal and interest. This obviously applies to Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Since the Department so informed the Greek Minister here last Saturday, I do not understand on what basis the reports you refer to could have arisen.

2. The President’s proposal was conceived as a mutual measure. The United States therefore cannot give relief to countries which do not themselves give relief to their debtors.

3. We are not ready at this moment to indicate plans for adjusting the many interrelated financial agreements of the Balkan States. Later discussion among the States primarily concerned will be necessary for the solution of these problems.

4. Please give the Greek Government the substance of the above.

Czechoslovakia has already accepted the President’s proposal, as you are no doubt aware.

Castle

6. Not printed.