868.48/11–1744: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson)
2538. Reurtel 4705, Nov. 17.36 Department and financing agencies envisage indefinite continuance of Greek relief program utilizing Swedish ships at present on St. John–Piraeus run under safe conduct. Financial arrangements have been made to cover first quarter 1945 for charter-hire of ships and for supply program similar to last quarter 1944. Plans are based on at least nominal existence of neutral commission with Swedish delegate to whom cargoes will be assigned. It is our understanding that Swedish Foreign Office concurs and will endeavor to maintain skeleton organization in Greece. You might at your discretion inquire if Swedish views remain unchanged and indicate importance Department attaches to continuance of identical status as before liberation so that Germans can have no overt justification for withdrawing safe-conduct.
Sent to Stockholm, repeated to Athens.
- Not printed.↩