868.00/5–2347: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
690. You are instructed to present following note to Greek Govt:
“In response to an appeal by the Greek Govt in its note of March 3, 1947 to the Govt of the US, and through it to the American people, for financial, economic, and expert aid to assist the Greek people in restoring their country, the President of the US on March 12, 1947, requested from the Congress the necessary authority to permit him to extend the help requested.
The Govt of the US now informs the Greek Govt that the President has been authorized to extend assistance to Greece under the provisions of an Act of Congress signed May 22, 1947.
The Govt of the US will welcome an indication from the Greek Govt of its general recovery program and assurances that the proffered assistance will be effectively utilized. This Govt will also welcome assurances from the Greek Govt that it is prepared to enter into negotiations leading to a mutually acceptable agreement between the two Govts on the terms under which American aid will be extended.”
Dept’s suggestions for items to be included in Greek reply to foregoing will be telegraphed soonest. It is Dept’s intention, and you should so inform Greek Govt, that text of US note will not be released at this time but that US note and Greek reply will be made public as soon as Greek reply agreed upon and received by Dept.