Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, Europe, Volume IV

875.01/10–2345: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)

Washington, October 26, 1945—9 p.m.

9487. Urtels 11079 and 11105 Oct 23. Following are Dept’s views on points raised by Brit FonOff in connection with recognition of Hoxha regime:

1. Dept agrees with FonOff that request for assurances should not be worded in such manner as to imply that our Govts would be bound to react if conduct of elections is not strictly in accord with pledge. US note to Hoxha will be so phrased as to avoid any such implication.

2. Though cognizant of Greek sensibilities in Albanian matters, Dept doubts that public statement referring to Greek-Albanian territorial question at time of recognition would serve sound purpose. Accordingly, while FonOff may wish to issue public statement along lines it has suggested, Dept does not plan to make specific public reference to question of frontier. US note to Hoxha will, however, contain statement to effect that present decision on recognition is not to be construed as prejudicing eventual separate consideration of other questions of an international character affecting Albania. Moreover, Dept has already advised Greek Ambassador⁴⁷ that we plan to inform him in advance of any action that may be taken to recognize present Albanian authorities. This notification would be made orally. We have also assured Ambassador that recognition of an Albanian Govt would in no way involve territorial questions.

Please inform Brit FonOff of foregoing.

Dept has not yet received reply from Soviet Govt on US proposals.

Sent to London; rptd to Moscow and Athens.⁴⁸

Byrnes

47. Cimon P. Diamantopoulos. See the memorandum of telephone conversation, by the Assistant Chief of the Division of Near Eastern Affairs, Foy D. Kohler, dated October 18, 1945, printed in vol. viii , last section under Greece.
48. Repeated to Moscow as telegram 2231 and to Athens as telegram 1115.