868.00/10–2447: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Keeley) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
niact
1838. Reuters (British) local correspondent on September 29 broke story that consideration was being given to a project to attach 30 or more American officers to Greek Army units for operational purposes. British Ambassador promptly assured Embassy neither he nor heads British missions responsible for leakage, and correspondent when questioned stated source his information American Army officer known to Embassy to hold such views. Embassy attached no importance to alleged disclosure feeling if anything such stories helpful in war of nerves pending some more tangible assistance to losing battle Greeks valiantly trying to wage against potentially insurmountable odds.
No member Embassy staff sat in on any discussions with General Chamberlin except one concerning Prime Minister’s request for broadening General Livesay’s powers during which Chamberlin listened but declined disclose his views other than as set forth in mytel 1688, of Oct. 1. Revelation by Embassy staff classified information concerning his recommendations therefore impossible. So far as we know General Chamberlin did not disclose his views to anyone here. As officer whose views allegedly served as basis for Reuters’ story above-mentioned travelled with General Chamberlin on his trip throughout northern Greece author Alsop story (Deptel 1714 October 211) might well have assumed they reflected the General’s opinions and constructed his story accordingly.
[Page 381]Dana Schmidt, New York Times correspondent, told me today that at press conference yesterday Prime Minister Sophoulis, in response to queries concerning accuracy local reprint Alsop story, confirmed that such project being considered but later on appeared vexed at publicity given his statements and said that while not denying it he wished not be quoted. I have not myself yet queried Prime Minister but Chief American Section Foreign Office denied any knowledge thereof other than news stories.
Embassy believes that best course now, if Department cannot yet confirm intention offer Greeks operational advice, is to capitalize on story as useful part of war nerves by declining to confirm or deny its accuracy but adding that every conceivable means of aiding Greeks to maintain their democratic independence is being explored so as to enable US Government to be ready to cooperate fullest possible extent with UN and to take such other steps as may be necessary to protect our interests as situation develops.
AMAG replying separately.2
- This telegram to the Embassy and AMAG stated: “Wash Post Oct 20 published [Joseph] Alsop despatch from Athens revealing highly classified info re proposed US operational advice to Greek Army. This revelation most embarrassing in view current GA consideration Greek case and our strong desire to avoid all publicity on subject at least until necessary high-level decisions have been taken. Dept requests your suggestions and views Greek FonOff as to answers to be made numerous US press queries on subject. Info re source Alsop despatch also requested.” (868.00/10–2147)↩
- In telegram Amag 396, October 25, 4 p. m., not printed. The Department informed the Embassy and AMAG in telegram 1777, Gama 393, November 3, that “Although appreciating that motive for disclosure to trusted newsmen of US consideration operational advice was to achieve local psychological advantage of advance speculation of US intentions Dept disturbed that info transmitted under such highly confidential classification should have been discussed with other than appropriate governmental officials without prior clearance from State or Army Depts. Request all necessary measures be taken in future to prevent unauthorized disclosure classified info.” (868.00/10–2447)↩