868.20/10–147: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Keeley) to the Secretary of State
1688. Under Secretary to Prime Minister called September 30 at direction of Prime Minister to ask Embassy to send following message:
“The Prime Minister would be grateful if the Embassy would transmit to the US Government his urgent request that General Livesay be given broader authority so as to be able to advise the Prime Minister and the Greek Government on all phases of military matters. This request is made because the Prime Minister has been impressed by the impartiality and sound judgment of General Livesay in matters of supply and logistics to which his advice is now limited by his present instructions.”
I understand from Under Secretary that this conclusion was reached by Prime Minister through same chain of reasoning but wholly independently of recommendation made by Governor Griswold in paragraph 5 of Amag 222, of September 15.
Governor Griswold still believes, as indicated in Amag 222, it highly desirable that General Livesay be given promptly maximum authority permitted by law under which Amag is operating, so as to enable him to offer such advice as he may feel competent to give and as may be called for by developing situation.
Ambassador concurs in foregoing but with respect to question of increasing military establishment here for purpose of giving operational advice to units of Greek Army on more extensive scale, believes decision should be postponed until completion of General Chamberlin’s studies.
General Chamberlin telegraphing his views separately to War Department.