501.BC Greece/9–1947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
us urgent
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1564. We agree that if competent neutrals can be found international supervision of amnesty would be desirable, particularly in view of Greek Govt’s announcements in this regard. We further feel that it would be preferable for supervision to begin as soon as can be arranged.
Neither AMAG nor Brit Military Mission would be proper agencies for such supervision. Swiss or possibly New Zealand seem to be acceptable for this purpose, although Dept believes Swiss would decline for political reasons and New Zealand because of lack of suitable personnel. [Page 347] As for Sweden, the Greek Govt might consider that the Swedes have on occasion proved susceptible to Soviet pressure. We feel that a request to the International Court would be undesirable for the same reasons which have made a solution in the SC impossible. The Greek Govt may find Canada or certain of the Latin American nations satisfactory. Should the Greek Govt request our help in selecting a competent neutral, we shall render such assistance as we can.1
- Chargé Keeley advised, in telegram 1644, September 23, from Athens, that in view of the Prime Minister’s attitude, the delays inherent in organizing an international group and the limited duration of the amnesty, there was little likelihood that international supervision could be effected (868.00/9–2347).↩