868.00/7–2947: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
us urgent
1176. 1. UK FonOff has requested Brit Chargé in Athens to provide estimate of prospects of anti-bandit operations by Greek army from present to end of campaigning season on assumption outcome SC discussions will make little practical difference. UK FonOff particularly wishes info whether (a) bandit powers will be reduced; (b) situation will remain same as at present; (c) morale and position Greek army will deteriorate.
2. In addition, UK FonOff requests estimate what increase in strength and additional equipment Greek army will require to improve or at least maintain present situation. In FonOff view this estimate should take account of what US and Brit could reasonably be expected to furnish.
3. FonOff message to Athens and Brit Emb here request cooperation of US officials in Greece in preparation of above estimates.
4. Dept considers cooperation of AmEmb and AMAG advisable in preparation of joint estimates for info of US and UK but it is to be [Page 270] made clear to Brit that our views on estimates, particularly those described in para. 2 above, do not represent US commitments as to future action.1
- This telegram was repeated to London as No. 3253.↩