868.50/11–1545: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 16—12:50 p.m.]
1300. Mytel 1291, Nov 13.20 McNeil yesterday sent brief note to Prime Minister with lengthy memo proposing British dispatch [Page 268] Economic Mission Greece. Text both documents being forwarded airmail.21
Note states British would gladly consent if US willing participate Mission. Memo refers with satisfaction to Allied arrangements supervise elections and to progress Greek Gendarmerie and Army under British Missions but emphasizes British Govt’s opinion that results economic reconstruction to date not commensurate large UNRRA expenditures. Then proposes sending (1) railway expert to plan reconstruction and possibly direct operations; (2) road expert and “expert assistance” for coastal shipping; (3) industrial productions expert and factory supervisors if desired; (4) advisers on manufacture clothing, footwear; and (5) advisers on labor and retail distribution. Reference also made to need financial reforms and marketing schemes for agricultural products. Concludes with summary as follows:
(Paraphrase): British Govt willing despatch Economic Mission which Greek Govt would depend on in task economic reconstruction. Mission would withdraw upon completion task [and] “hand over to the Greek Govt a going concern”. While Mission remains Greece British would expect Greek Govt assume any powers necessary implement operate programs devised by Mission. British Govt unwilling send such Mission in absence prior undertaking this nature by Greek Govt. (End paraphrase.)
Comment follows.22