868.48/11-744 : Telegram The American Representative on the Advisory Council for Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State CASERTA, November 7, 1944-midnight. [Received November 8-12:15 p. m.] 1203. Chief Administrative Office AFHQ in personal message to War Office has reported that Swedish-Swiss Red Cross will probably terminate their activities in Greece in about 6 weeks since they are in bad odor with Greeks owing to alleged collaboration with Germans. It is CAO's view that this organization which has proved itself so efficient in the distribution of relief should not be allowed to lapse. He adds that ML (Greece) will step into the breach but suggests that a high powered businessman well vested [versed?] in the organization of distributing food supplies urgently needed to head this type of relief. Finally he asks whether War Office can suggest name of any civilian who for this purpose could be fitted into an UNRRA establishment. In this connection report has been received from ML (Greece) that demonstrations against the Swedish-Swiss Red Cross have ceased for first time in several days and that Greek police has agreed to take vigorous action if they recur. According to verbal advice from Swedish Minister the Germans have granted permission for Swedish ships now at Gibraltar and Malta to proceed to the Piraeus. Sent Department, repeated Athens as 12. KIRK 868.48/11-1044: Telegram The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State STOCKHOLM, November 10, 1944-2 p. m. [Received 3 p. m.] 4596. After ascertaining that British Legation was authorized to associate itself with assurances contained in paragraph 4 of Department's 2188 October 31, 9 p. m. these assurances were communicated to Swedish Foreign Ministry in our note No. 577 of November 9. To meet British desires, assurance against diversion of Commission's cargoes as expressed in our note reads "diversion from Greece to other destinations". British Legation is not yet authorized to associate itself with any other action foreshadowed by Department's 2188. In our discussing with British the general contents of Department's 2188 they have shown pleasure over all points and, for our confidential information, expressed hope London will take same attitude. JOHNSON 868.48/11-1344: Telegram The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State ATHENS, November 13, 1944-6 p. m. [Received November 14-3:30 p.m.] 33. The Swedish Government has instructed its Commission here that if Swedish ships are to continue to bring supplies to Greece some members of the Commission must remain here in an advisory capacity to guarantee distribution on an indiscriminatory basis. Mr. Sandstrom is accordingly remaining with a couple of his assistants and the ML and UNRRA are now endeavoring to set up a policy committee which should include the Swedes and be acceptable to the Greek Government, the last named handling distribution from December 15 onwards subject to the committee's advice with UNRRA contributing "inspectorial supervision". Meanwhile the Government will prepare distribution plans to apply at first only in the capital and the areas normally served therefrom but to be extended later as and when its authority in the provinces permits (see my 13, November 6, 6 p. m.). The Swiss have not yet decided what they intend to do in this connection but may ask to be included on the policy committee. Their delegate Deglutz has gone to Geneva where he will seek instructions. MACVEAGH 868.48/11-1444: Telegram The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State STOCKHOLM, November 14, 1944-7 p. m. [Received 10:18 p. m.] 4667. Substance of British Foreign Office's policy telegram on Greek relief 371, November 8 to Embassy Washington repeated to Stockholm and Caserta has been discussed with us by British Legation here. It describes present status of Greek relief fleet as "unworkable" for forward planning purposes because of uncertainty regarding length of time German safe-conduct will remain available and advocates determined effort by two Legations to shake Swedish attitude. Telegram being sent today by British Legation to London and Washington represents concerted comment of both Legations on principles at issue in 371. If we have understood correctly, undertakings which US and British Governments gave through Swedes at time when Greek relief scheme was inaugurated constitute chief obstacle in way of persuading Swedes to alter any present arrangements without first obtaining German consent. (For these undertakings see in particular my despatches 773, June 26, 1942 and 811, July 10, 1942.20) Meanwhile Swedes are at pains to maintain appearance that whole scheme, Commission and fleet, is functioning as before, with difference that Allies instead of Germans now hold Greece. We believe that if Swedes taxed their ingenuity they might possibly work our [out] some plan which would permit them to contend they had carried out their obligations toward Germans but would at same time be more satisfactory for us. However Swedish policy regarding relief fleet is inextricably bound up with degree of consideration which Allies show toward interest of Swedish commercial shipping during shipping pool discussions now beginning in London. We were told (my 3962, September 29, 9 p. m.) that Greek relief shipping would figure in general pool discussions. Gunnar Carlsson, Chairman of Swedish Shipping Commission, is in London and Boheman expects to join him any day. Until Swedes see how they are faring in pool discussions there is, in opinion of both Legations, small hope of obtaining satisfaction on any phases of relief scheme which would have to be referred to Berlin or which might seem at variance with Swedish commercial shipping interest. Both Legations have given careful study to contents of 371 with view to supplying prompt comment on any points concerning which Department or British authorities may wish to question us. JOHNSON 868.01 AMG/11-144: Telegram The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) WASHINGTON, November 16, 1944-7 p.m. 27. Suggestion has been received from British Embassy along lines set forth in your 4, November 1.21 In summary it states that the military period in Greece may extend for some time and that the military will be responsible for maintenance of Greek economy during that time. Particularly in field of finance expert advice from competent civilian authorities and close liaison with Greek Government will be needed. ML Greece are not equipped to handle such problems. British therefore intend to appoint Mr. Caccia as principal civil adviser to Lieutenant General Scobie 21a and to represent Mr. Macmillan.21b They also intend to appoint a supply 20 Neither printed. 21 Sent as telegram no. 1084, November 1, 12 p. m., from Caserta, not printed. 21a Ronald M. Scobie, British General Officer Commanding in Greece. 21b Harold Macmillan, British Minister Resident at Allied Force Headquarters, Mediterranean Theater. and a financial adviser and they would also be responsible for consultation concerning economic policy with Greek Government departments. British hope US Government will appoint similar advisers. End summary. Department has replied along following lines: This Government is prepared to appoint two advisers to Lieutenant General Scobie in view of our interest in the immediate economic and financial problems of Greece and of US Army participation in distribution of civilian supplies. US Ambassador to Greek Government will detail these advisers one of whom will serve as financial adviser and the other as economic and supply adviser. It does not appear necessary to appoint an adviser for general civil affairs and political matters since US Army participation in civil affairs activites is limited. Our Embassy will consult Greek Government concerning such problems and will give General Sadler such advice as he may need in this regard. If it subsequently appears that an additional American official especially to advise the military authorities is needed our Ambassador will make appropriate arrangement. End reply. Arrangements are being made with Treasury for departure in near future of expert to be attached to your Embassy and detailed as adviser to Scobie. It is suggested that you detail Harry Hill as economic and supply adviser. STETTINIUS 868.48/11-1444: Telegram The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson) WASHINGTON, November 16, 1944-9 p. m. 2307. On basis of reports from MacVeagh in Athens that Commission intended to cease functioning on December 15, London is instructing British Legation in Stockholm to concert with you to discover Swedish attitude toward this information and whether, as Sandstrom and Thyberg thought, the liquidation of the Commission was a problem separate from that of the continued functioning of Swedish ships in Greek relief traffic. Prior to despatch of Department's telegram to you on similar lines, MacVeagh has informed us (Athens' 33, November 13) of Swedish Government's instruction to Commission that some of its members must remain in Greece in advisory capacity if Swedish ships are to continue. Department has no objection to your confirming this information informally, in concert with your British colleague, if London so desires. However, in view of precarious overall situation, which is receiving urgent consideration here (reurtel 4667, November 14 and British 383 Relief), we believe it advisable to make no further approaches to Swedes until London and Washington can jointly present a firm proposal. Sent to Stockholm, repeated to Athens.22 STETTINIUS 868.48/11-1744: Telegram The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Sweden (Johnson) WASHINGTON, November 18, 1944-9 p. m. 2329. Department and British Embassy have studied London's telegram no. 371 Relief, November 8, as well as comments on that message from you (reurtel 4667, November 14) and from your British colleague (repeated to Washington as London's 383 Relief). Basic assumption of our discussions here is that all urgent efforts must be made to retain Swedish ships in view of conditions in Greece and of critical shipping shortage. Swedish Government's recent instruction to Commission that some of its members must remain in Greece as authorized consignees and distribution advisors indicates that, according to Swedish official view, there has been and should be no alteration in neutral position of Commission, and that nominal continuance of Commission guards safe conduct of ships (reurtel 4705, November 17 23). MacVeagh has reported that Sandstrom and two assistants will remain in Greece in advisory capacity and as members of a policy committee for relief distribution. Furthermore, we perceive nothing unsatisfactory in continuance of safe-conduct per se, except its extreme uncertainty and the impossibility of intelligent forward planning without assurance of continued availability of ships. In view of Swedish attitude, we see no advantage in attempting to urge Swedes to change status at present. However, we do seriously need informal assurance that, in case of withdrawal of safe conduct, Swedes will devise some scheme to continue the present amount of shipping in Greek relief traffic. Convoy would probably be the most feasible solution, but any other arrangements which would make ships available would be satisfactory. Swedes previously indicated (reurtel 1087, March 30, 1944) that convoy arrangements would probably be acceptable after liberation of Greece. As for neutrality status, we are aware that other Swedish ships, under British charter but still flying Swedish flag, are regularly traveling in convoy. Department recommends that, in concert with your British colleague and if you perceive no serious objection thereto, you make further in |