667.81/1–2050: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Grady) to the Secretary of State
155. Deptel 74, January 14.1
[Here follows a paragraph reporting that the Embassy had been informed of the proposed meeting with Greek officials described in the first paragraph of telegram 74, to Athens, and the decision to decline the proposal.]
Pipinelis was today given verbal summary Department’s reference telegram. He said he would not hide fact that he believes (and Cabinet recently approved idea) that there can be no settlement of Albanian question which does not envisage close Greek-Albanian relations. This does not mean, he said, that Greeks are pursuing a formal plan in this regard at the present time. Greek plan is long-range and Pipinelis feels it can be developed only (1) when there is a true and peaceful Albania, and (2) on Albanian initiative. He said that the Greeks have been willing to receive emissaries from Zog2 and other Albanians for general discussions but that these emissaries are told Greeks are acting cautiously and avoiding immediate action. He added that Kupi3 has been given visa to come to Greece. While I see no reason why we should not place credence in Pipinelis’ assurances, it should be remarked that there has beeen of late unusual activity in Greek intelligence circles re Albania.
Pipinelis asked me to thank Department for its assurance that US does not contemplate conversations and would not agree participate [Page 365] if Greeks excluded. He added that he would be interested to know what American plans and views are regarding Albania and declared that Greece would be ready at any time to discuss such questions with American representatives to insure that we work in same direction.