Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

868.50/4–2145

The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State

No. 909

Athens, April 21, 1945.
[Received May 8.]

Sir: With reference to my Despatch No. 835 of April 11, 1945¹⁸ transmitting copies of the minutes of the 9th, 10th and 11th Meetings of the Joint Co-ordinating Committee, dated March 22, March 29, and April 5, 1945 respectively, I have the honor to enclose for the Department’s records, one copy of the minutes of the 1st Meeting of April 16, 1945 of a new committee known as the Joint Policy Committee,¹⁹ which is to replace the Joint Co-ordinating Committee, together with papers referred to in these minutes.

The Department will note that it is stated in paragraph (e) of paper JPC (45) 1²⁰ that: “the Greek Government should invite such British and American Political, Economic and Financial Advisers to attend these meetings as they think fit for the purpose of assisting by their advice and experience, the workings of the Committee”, and that the Joint Price and Wage Fixing Sub-Committee is shown as being composed amongst others of the American Financial and Economic Advisers. However, while the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs did formally communicate a request of the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Mr. Varvaressos, for American participation in such committees, I have followed the instructions contained in the Department’s telegram, No. 242 of March 20, 7 p.m. and have not allowed representatives of this Embassy to participate in a committee with the British to advise the Greek Government on economic and financial matters but have instructed them merely to offer information and advice as may seem appropriate.

Respectfully yours,

Lincoln MacVeagh

18. Not printed.
19. Minutes of meeting not printed. The Greek Minister of Finance (Mantzavinos) served as chairman. The meeting was attended by 9 Greek officials, 4 members of the UNRRA Mission to Greece, 4 British officials including the Political Adviser (Caccia), the Financial Adviser (Hill), and the Economic Adviser to General Scobie (Lingeman), and a representative of the Joint Relief Commission.
20. The minutes of the April 16 meeting.