868.00/11–447: Telegram
Governor Dwight P. Griswold to the Secretary of State
Amag 421. Completely in dark as to recommendations made by General Chamberlin except for Time magazine article October 27 and have no knowledge accuracy that story. General Chamberlin never asked either Livesay or myself for views on developments of situation. I read him, however, Amag 3341 before its despatch [apparent garble] he informed of mine. He said he was going to recommend assignment US military observers but gave no indication of procedure he favored or of any other aspect his recommendations to Washington except necessity of National Guard about 25,000 strength. View importance policy considerations affecting Greek Aid Mission now under consideration Washington believe authentic summary Chamberlin’s recommendations should be furnished me for study and comment in light Mission experience to date.
Regarding Time magazine account I want to repeat categorically no important differences MacVeagh and myself in past nor do I see any in future. Some minor differences on technique obtained during [Page 396] political crisis but these in no way interfered or hampered effectiveness Mission. Presume self-seeking Greeks attempted exaggerate these minor differences into important disagreements. These press stories and such articles as Time article asserting reportedly high authority that Mission has been failure can, however, when not promptly repudiated, do much harm. I do not consider it would be advisable, as allegedly recommended, place present AMAG and Embassy under single head. Liaison excellent. Situation Greece different from Turkey. Civilian aspect aid program in Greece results extensive and complex AMAG operations. Functions AMAG and Embassy quite distinct. In same way that I should not feel qualified to head Embassy as well as Mission, I question whether Ambassador would have background or time to head Mission as well as Embassy.
Unless Chamberlin has advanced compelling reasons for handling operational advice outside Greek aid statute I still believe (Amag 334) for political, economic and administrative reasons such advice should be handled through AMAG. Actually no civilian head whether chief of Mission or Ambassador would presume interfere such tactical advice. However, certain results strategic advice might have acute bearing on Greek economy and in allocation American aid. Military and economic aspects Greek aid program vitally interrelated and of equal importance attainment US objectives. I believe it essential to effective results that all military and economic aid to Greece be handled through one Mission with single head as contemplated Greek aid statute.
If operational advice not coordinated with other Mission activities within AMAG I feel difficulties may ensue from military tendency to concentrate on military problems to exclusion civilian economic problems. Pertinent and significant this view is that according Time article Chamberlin’s recommendations completely ignored economic aspects Mission work. Also that although reportedly dubbing Mission a failure Chamberlin never once talked with me or any of AMAG staff on economic program of Mission.