868.48/3817c: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Egypt ( Kirk )
632. During their visit to this country last June the Greek King and Premier stated that the Greek Government’s sources were rapidly declining and appealed for financial assistance.93 The President indicated that means should be found to keep the Greek Government going.
In pursuance of this directive arrangements have been made, with the President’s approval:
- 1.
- For the Lend-Lease Administration to take over from the Greek Government the costs of the Swedish vessels transporting relief supplies to occupied Greece, amounting to approximately $1,000,000 per month;
- 2.
- For the Greek War Relief Association to relieve the Greek Government of its burden of expense in connection with the care of Greek refugees in the Near East and Africa.
It is intended that the latter project, which has been warmly welcomed by the Greek Government, should be carried out within the framework of the Middle East Refugee Relief Administration, with appropriate changes in this organization to permit participation of personnel of the Greek War Relief Association in the direction and operation of the Administration’s activities insofar as they relate to Greek refugees.
There is transmitted in a following telegram,94 for delivery to the Middle East Refugee Relief Administration, a message prepared by the Greek War Relief Association, in consultation with the American Red Cross, formulating certain preliminary inquiries and proposals.
Please discuss this matter with the appropriate British and Greek authorities and assist in every proper way in working out arrangements which will be satisfactory to all interested parties.
- See Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. ii, pp. 798 ff.↩
- No. 633, May 7, 11 p.m., not printed.↩