501.BB Balkan/9–948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to Mr. Gerald A. Drew, at Athens
priority
1293. For Emb and Balcom 211. On Sept 3 Grk Amb informed Dept his Govt attached greatest importance inclusion in UNSCOB recommendations clause calling for “economic sanctions against Greece’s northern neighbors” should they continue giving aid and support guerrillas. Amb explained that by “economic sanctions” his Govt meant withholding special financial or military assistance, such as grants or loans of money, material or military equipment. Amb argued that such recommendations would have powerful influence on satellites by showing them they must change their policy toward Greece if they expected strengthen their difficult economic position. Grk Govt considered [Page 268] recommendation would be effective lever bring about normal relations between Greece and neighbors. Without such clause, recommendations to be made by UNSCOB would appear weak and inffective.
After careful consideration, Dept advised Grk Emb Sep 5 we were not prepared support recommendation type suggested. We considered it would have little or no practical effect on satellite states, since they knew they could not expect receive assistance from Western powers unless their present policy changed, whereas Eastern nations would disregard recommendation. Dept therefore considered disadvantages outweighed any possible advantages.
Question discussed with Jebb and Brit Emb rep here Sep 4 and they were given impression Dept might propose modified version Grk suggestion. Brit Emb advised Sept 7 that on further consideration Dept felt obliged drop suggestion. London confirm this position to FonOff.1
- This telegram was repeated to London as No. 3563.↩