868.00/3–2247
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State
Notes on a Conversation With Mr. Bevin
Mr. Bevin called on me at 12:45 and left at 2:30. We had lunch together.
greece
He first brought up the question of Greece. Mr. Bevin stated that the British Cabinet had agreed to meet the proposal of Mr. Acheson [Page 129] that the British carry the financial crisis in Greece after March 31, until our Congress had had an opportunity to act. Bevin said Britain had committed 18 million pounds for this purpose. He then stated that he had transmitted my request that the British not withdraw their military mission and the Cabinet have agreed not to withdraw it for the time being, and also to maintain the naval, air and police missions. However, in order to provide funds for the military mission, it would be necessary under their system to go back to Parliament, which would be a very undesirable procedure, having just obtained an authorization for 18 million pounds additional on the Greek situation. It was therefore the proposal of the British that some other arrangement should be made to meet the expenses of the mission and I believe Bevin said the British Government also proposed that the cost of the mission should be defrayed by the Greek Government, presumably out of money loaned by the American Government. He did not ask for a reply by me at this time, but requested that I give it consideration.1
[Here follows discussion of subjects other than Greece.]
- On March 21 the British Ambassador handed a communication to Mr. Acheson in reply to his inquiry of March 14 concerning retention of British Military and Naval Missions in Greece. The substance of the communication was similar to the British position as set forth by Mr. Bevin but noted additionally that the British were giving consideration to reducing the strength of the Military Mission. The British communication was quoted to the Secretary of State, at Moscow, in telegram 619, Moskco 17, March 21. (841.2368/3–2147)↩