868.00/11–2947: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1973. Reurtel 2060.1 Dept fully understands gravity Grk situation. It is furthermore Dept view that Chief AMAG enjoys extremely wide powers under present instructions. So far as allocation aid funds concerned, principal limitation on AMAG’s powers has been requirement that Secy approve any increase in military allotments. None of AMAG recommendations this regard has been disapproved. Provision of US operational advice for Grk Army was question prime importance, constituting fundamental departure original US policy, concerned Service Depts and Congressional relations, and involved consequences of national significance. It should be clear to Embassy that authority to decide question of this kind which must be considered by highest authorities this Govt could not be delegated to anyone. As for refugee question Dept cannot allocate funds not appropriated by Congress. Emb and AMAG have been apprised Dept’s consideration of request to Congress for additional funds. Specific question of sovereign acquisition and sale (urtel 2060) subject separate communication. It involved departures from this Govt’s general financial policies and therefore could not be answered until after discussions with other Governmental agencies.