781.5/10–350: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Peurifoy) to the Secretary of State
1147. Re Deptel 1028 September 291 and Embtels 11332 and 1134 October 2.3 Porter, Jenkins and I discussed yesterday at length question [Page 424] size GAF. It is obvious to us that Greek attitude on subject has been far from clear. Venizelos has expressed contradictory views to me and to Greek public. It is also not clear to what extent Papagos shares Venizelos’ alleged desire reduce GAF. In our opinion, reduction GAF without full concurrence Papagos and General Staff could bring about serious political situation or even result in more serious happenings.
To seek clarification I discussed question with Prime Minister today preparatory requesting Jenkins discuss with Papagos details of military assistance to Greece on basis of reduced troop level. I emphasized necessity of re-evaluating military program at reduced army level which Greek Government felt essential as result of proposed ECA cut of approximately 50 million dollars this year. I pointed out necessity of military assistance bearing close relationship with number troops actually under arms.
Prime Minister reversed position he took in letter September 294 and declared that for time being size of armed forces should remain at present strength of 122,000 with reconsideration this problem at later date when international picture becomes clearer, specifically referring Korean problem. I assured Prime Minister that General Jenkins would discuss military program with Papagos and that every care would be exercised to see that no publicity be given this matter.
Aside from clarifying Greek view, we will express no further American views on subject pending directive from Department. Our views on this subject remain same as expressed in three parallel telegrams (L 684 August 19;5 Toeca 1411 August 26;6 Embtel 637 August 26).7 I recommend these telegrams be reread carefully before decision is made in this matter which so vitally affects future of Greece.
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed; it reported among other things on Note No. 47574 of September 29 from Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophocles Venizelos to Ambassador in Greece John E. Peurifoy (enclosure 2 to despatch 547, October 4, from Athens, 781.5/10–450, not printed) which stated that the Greek Government had decided to reduce Greek armed forces to 80,000 men in view of the Economic Cooperation Administration’s decision on a reduction of aid to Greece (781.5MAP/10–350).↩
- Not printed; it reported that the Greek Government Coordination Council meeting of September 29, at which Field Marshal Alexander Papagos, Commander in Chief of Greek Armed Forces, was present, and decided that the provision in the Greek budget for the current fiscal year for a reduction of armed forces to 80,000 men “does not appear possible under existing international conditions” (781.5MAP/10–250).↩
- Cited in footnote 2, above.↩
- Not found in Department of State files.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Ante, p. 403.↩