GREECE 753

 The principle which the American Red Cross has followed of limiting its
food relief to areas where its own officers may supervise the distribution
is entirely sound, and exception should be made, in my opinion, only in a
very unusual emergency. We are faced with the fact, however, that as many
as 1,000,000 persons may die in Greece during 1942 if relief is not sent
to them, according to a recent estimate contained in a report prepared by
the office of the Coordinator of Information, and it seems to me imperative
for the United States to make every effort possible to come to the aid of
those heroic people.
 I recommend, therefore, that the Department be authorized to inform Mr.
Davis that we should be glad for the American Red Cross, as an exceptional
measure, to assist in the relief of Greece, through such funds or supplies
as may be available to it for the purpose, with the understanding, of course,
that the Red Cross will satisfy itself that adequate provision for the supervision
of distribution in Greece by the International Red Cross Committee or other
acceptable agency is included in any relief plan involving the use of American
funds or supplies.
 Faithfully yours, SUMNER WELLES


868.48/2089 : Telegram

The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

STOCKHOLM, April 15, 1942—4 p. m.
[Received April 15—3: 12 p. m.]
 840. My 755, April 7, 4 p. m. Foreign Office has just informed me Italian
reply received to proposals for Greek food relief. Reply is in some detail
and imposes conditions, but Foreign Office feels it is on whole favorable
and that there is now open prospect of immediate progress. It was intimated
in Italian reply that German reply would be identical. Foreign Office will
ask Mallet and me to meet appropriate official tomorrow when details will
be communicated.
JoHNsoN


868.48/2092 : Telegram

The Minister in Sweden (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

STOCKHOLM, April 19, 1942—noon.
[Received 2: 54 p. m.]
 890. My 840, April 15, 4 p. m. Boheman sent for British Minister and me
yesterday afternoon for communication of further details regarding Italian
reply to proposals for Greek food relief. He gave