868.48/3691: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)

379. We understand from the British that discussions are in course between the Swedish Government and the International Red Cross Committee regarding the allocation of responsibility for the control of the Greek relief scheme.

[Page 174]

We are highly appreciative of the activities of the IRCC and are grateful for their work in distributing the Sicilia shipment last spring and the relief supplies sent last year from Turkey and Allied sources in the Near East. However, as regards the relatively large scale program now in operation we feel that it is essential, and in the best interests of all concerned, including the IRCC, that the Swedish Government have responsibility for the scheme’s operation and that it serve as the channel for communications regarding the scheme.

Hull