Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

NEA Politico–Military Adviser Files: Lot 484

The Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Chief of the Joint united States Military Aid Group to Greece (Jenkins)

top secret
priority

Washington, September 15, 1950—5:35 p. m.

JCS 91678. From JCS.

1. JCS have reviewed your recommendations for revised strengths and orders of battle of Greek mil establishment and approve the following as temporary Greek Armed Forces which JCS believe will accomplish United States objective regarding Greece during present international situation. Total strength ceiling for this temporary Greek mil establishment should not exceed 164,400 to consist of:

a. Greek National Army of 147,000. Order of battle as recommended by you.

b. Royal Hellenic Navy of 10,000. Present order of battle will be augmented by 1 additional United States destroyer for total of 60 ships. Delivery of United States destroyers and destroyer escorts will be expedited. Consideration has been given to letter of 25 July 50, CinC Greek Armed Forces to Chief, JUSMAG, subject: “composition of Royal Hellenic Navy”.¹

c. Royal Hellenic Air Force of 7,400. Order of battle to be augmented by aviation engineer unit and provide for training of sufficient reservists to man additional Helldiver Sqdn in emergency.

2. United States support of increased forces, any additional equipment and establishment of operational level of reserve supplies will be dependent upon funds made available within FY 51 and subsequent MDAP appropriations.

3. You are authorized to inform Chief, AMAG that you can concur in but cannot suggest the expansion of the Greek Armed Forces within the strength ceilings and fund limitations above.

1. Not found in Department of State files.