868.48/582: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Atherton) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 8—3:45 a.m.]
117. Department’s 47, August 4, 5 p.m. and Bristol’s August 6, 11 a.m. I interviewed Minister for Foreign Affairs today and [Page 362] strongly pressed for promise for immediate transfer to Greece of refugees in question. After protracted interview he asked me to accept a proposition
“whereby Greek Government would undertake to complete transfer of one-half of number or approximately 10,000 refugees between August 16 and August 23 providing Near East Relief would continue feeding of remaining half until September 16 at which time Greek Government would undertake to transfer to Greece remaining refugees. In view of additional expense Government would hope for supplies from American charitable organizations to assist in feeding these new refugees upon arrival in Greece for at least a period of one month until they became partially self-supporting. These supplies however only to be delivered to Greek Government in September upon completion of transfer to Greece of all refugees in question.”
I explained I was unable to accept any proposition nor do I consider the Minister for Foreign Affairs bound by his remarks. Should, however, the Department authorize me to continue conversations along these lines I am of the opinion I could secure satisfactory promises from the Government. In any case I request instructions to enable me to have final interview with the Government authorities on this matter.