Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

868.00/9–2147: Telegram

Governor Dwight P. Griswold to the Secretary of State

secret

Athens, September 21, 1947—6 p. m.

Amag 256. To Wilds from Griswold. Re Gama 209.¹ Called September 18 on Sophoulis and Tsaldaris with Keeley, Livesay, Cochran and Moffat² and outlined major military principles of concern US; necessity offensive spirit in army, maximum authority top command and no changes for political reasons, elimination any political pressure on army plans or disposition troops and entire Cabinet to stand between army and influences which might lessen vigorous offensive campaign. Sophoulis assured us these principles held by entire Cabinet. He blamed General Staff for lack of army offensive spirit, denied it subject political pressure and twice asserted that on contrary General Staff had interfered in political matters, but added no changes high command would be made without prior consultation Livesay and Rawlins. I then outlined approved increases military aid.

Sophoulis and Tsaldaris stated Cabinet favored organization national guard 50,000 to guard villages and release army for offensive proposing disband May and Mad³ and also 12,000 gendarmerie and General Staff would be directed make planning studies. Would want American aid for equipment and uniforms but no rations. I commented we would examine sympathetically any requests but candidly felt because of expense US would not approve further military aid beyond increases just approved. We suggested General Staff survey available equipment including 10,000 rifles arriving early October and equipment of units they contemplated disbanding and study possible organization national guard of size commensurate availabilities. View adverse affect Greek morale and benefit guerillas urged they avoid requesting military aid which US might be compelled refuse.

All concurred publicity new increased aid should be issued by Greek Govt, should not give details in order not inform guerillas, and should be jointly approved. At their request submitted September 20 written memo and suggested draft release. Copies being air pouched.

Griswold

1. Dated September 17, not printed, hut see footnote 5, p. 367.
2. Abbott Low Moffat, special assistant to Governor Griswold.
3. Two types of semi-military organizations organized by the Greek Army. “May” units assisted army units in the static role of defense of inhabited localities; “Mad” units assisted the army in operations in specific areas, including tasks of actual combat, guides, mule leaders and protectors of lines of communication (868.00/10–2047).