501.BB Balkan/10–2948: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State
Gadel 382. Grk Amb has requested Departmental support for following proposed amendment to resolution on Greece (which might be submitted by small State):
“Applauds the assistance and support given by members of the UN to the request of Greece to help Greece to remove the threat to its political independence and territorial integrity, and encourages further effective collective measures amongst the members of the UN for the removal of this threat and the threat to the peace in the Balkans.”
Fully cognizant of circumstances set forth Delga 474 Oct 24,1 Dept is merely replying that basic US position has already been established and aligned with those of UK, France and China and that USDel will consider all proposed amendments within this framework.
As to substance Grk proposal, and for ur info, we see no objection to first part amendment provided, your judgment, it could be handled tactically without provoking prolonged and irrelevant discussion US aid program and could easily command large majority. Believe wording in any case should be altered: “help Greece to maintain its political independence and territorial integrity.”
We are more hesitant about reference to “further effective collective measures.” While this language less objectionable than outright reference to possible application Chap. VII or Article 51 measures, it clearly points to such measures and would be so interpreted by Greek press, leading Grks to expect and perhaps demand US assistance substantially in excess that already being given.
Grk Amb likewise asked Departmental support for Greek amendment on children (Delga 534 Oct 292), but was reminded Dept’s known views this subject and was told it now up to USDel to decide whether objection still exists to including such amendment in present resolution.
- Not printed; but see footnote 1, p. 273.↩
- Not printed; it gave the text of a Greek amendment to the joint resolution on the Greek question, calling on all members of the UN and on all other states to which Greek children have been removed by the Greek guerrillas to cooperate for their prompt return to Greece with the Special Committee as well as appropriate international agencies (501.BB Balkan/10–2948).↩