868.20/11–447: Telegram
Governor Dwight P. Griswold to the Secretary of State
Amag 425. Re Gama 379.1 Although I suggested to Sophoulis (Amag 2932) possibility transfer of promised American aid 10,000 permanent army increase to equal number national guard (National [Page 397] Defense Corps) it was our intention use that aid if so desired by Greek Government for organization and maintenance maximum strength National Defense Corps within available Greek and American resources (see memos conversation September 18, 24 and 29 and letters exchanged October 6, 25 and 29 all of which regularly forwarded by despatch3). Specific suggestion of 10,000 intended partly head off extravagant Greek ambition of 50,000 strength and partly indicate that if National Defense Corps organized and equipped same extent army, limitations on American aid would prevent organization of greater strength. Sophoulis still talks 50,000 but Livesay, and Chamberlin when here, believe Defense Corps should have about 25,000 strength. We have made alternate suggestions as to use of rations and equipment in effort achieve this number. Present Greek plans call for National Defense Corps uniformed and rationed same basis GNA but because of static role, lesser armament and equipment. Accordingly same amount American funds will support larger number National Defense Corps units than regular army provided necessary Greek resources available. Transfer American aid for rations and rifles from auxiliary gendarmes when eliminated will permit further increase. Drachmas now available auxiliary gendarmes would furnish some drachmas for National Defense Corps. Also drachmas now paid Mad. Under present General Staff plan Defense Corps of 16,000 appears feasible within Greek and American resources but I believe adjustments can be effected which will permit organization 20,000 plus or minus. Greek budget as now planned reduces gendarmerie to 22,000, eliminate all financial support for Mad (no financial support for May discovered) and provides 40 billion drachmas for National Defense Corps which should be sufficient for neighborhood 40 battalions, 500 each, together with staff. Greek General Staff has been requested furnish by November 5 detailed estimates drachma cost their Defense Corps plans for immediate study by Mission.
Livesay telegram L 240, sent War Department after official SNDC action approving transfer promised increased American aid from army to National Defense Corps and after preliminary study General Staff plans in order secure necessary authority deal with details. I was awaiting official letter from Prime Minister before requesting Department approval for cancellation promised increased army aid and transfer that aid to organization and maintenance Defense Corps. As stated Amag 406,4 I sent October 29 written approval general principle to Prime Minister on basis War Department telegram 89156.
[Page 398]On basis my despatches and telegrams exchanged, I assume I have Department’s approval continue rations and supplies GNA of 120,000 plus 20,000 temporary and to use 6 million earmarked for 10,000 permanent army increase together with any savings in rations and equipment through gendarmerie reduction for organization and maintenance National Defense Corps in such manner as will secure maximum effective strength.
Will forward estimated drachma expenses National Defense Corps as soon as Greek figures can be studied, together with details as to strength and organization and types American assistance.5
Secretary of State please pass to War.