841.2368/8–947: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State
4320. For the Secretary and Lovett. ReDeptel 3396,1 and 3353.2 I informed Bevin this morning the substance of Athens 1275 of August 2, and Rome’s 2191 of August 2,3 advanced the additional considerations [Page 290] which you mentioned, and expressed your concurrence with the grave fears of our officials in Greece and Turkey re withdrawal of British troops. I pointed out the need of US–UK joint responsibility and in the light of existing circumstances, the far reaching adverse effects that might be produced by action which might be construed to be an abandonment of this principle.
I put forward our proposal, emphasizing the strength of our feeling, that the troops should not be withdrawn from Greece until after final consideration of the Greek case by SC and GA and, subsequently, after full appraisal and a frank exchange of views between the US and UK Governments when the matter could be reviewed in the light of the situation as it might then exist and a decision taken with a full appreciation of the future US–UK action re Greece.
As to Italy, I presented strongly our proposal that the status of our respective forces should be studied by the military and our actions carefully coordinated.
I explained to Bevin your relief at his assurance no change in British foreign policy is now contemplated, but that this assurance was associated with the question of British troops in Greece and Italy.
Bevin assured me that no action was contemplated in the immediate future in either area. At the forthcoming meeting Monday the Parliamentary Labor Group Ministers will be under great pressure to state the areas from which overseas forces will be withdrawn but that these demands will be resisted. He inferred that the Left Wing group would press for withdrawal from Greece and reduction of forces in Italy.
He, however, understands our position, the serious consequences which might follow, and assures me that further consideration will be given to the matter. I should have a further discussion early next week, possibly Tuesday or Wednesday.4
- Dated August 7, p. 287.↩
- Dated August 5, not printed; it quoted telegrams 1275, August 2, and 1282, August 4, from Athens, pp. 276, 278.↩
- It is anticipated that telegram 2191 will be printed in volume iii .↩
- In telegram 4444, August 15, Ambassador Douglas advised the Department that with Mr. Bevin away for a three-week vacation Sir Orme Sargent had “assured me this afternoon that in respect British troops in Italy and Greece, no withdrawals would be undertaken without full consultation with US. In the case of Italy this consultation would include a careful study by combined military of our respective forces.” (841.2368/8–1547)↩