Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 61 Part 3.djvu/644

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GREECE-AID- May 26, 1947 June 15, 18, 20, 1947 expert aid to assist the Greek people in restoring their country, the President of the United States has been authorised to extend assistance to Greece under the provisions of an act of Congress signed May 22, 1947. In reply, I have the honour to request that you be kind enough to convey to the United States Government the following communica- tion from the Greek Government: The hearts of the Greek people are profoundly touched by this proof of the generosity and goodwill of the American people and of the benevolent interest of a great and friendly nation in the welfare of Greece. The Greek Government on its own behalf and on behalf of the Greek people, wishes to express its deepest appreciation for this magnanimous response to the request of the Greek Government and takes this opportunity to repeat that it turned to the United States for aid only because the devastating results of the war were such as to render impossible the enormous task of reconstruction with the resources remaining to Greece after years of conflict and enemy occupation. The Greek Government wishes to give assurances that any assistance it may receive will be used in conformance with the purposes for which it may be made available. Aid given for military purposes will be used in the restoration and maintenance of internal order. Aid fur- nished for the economic recovery and physical reconstruction of the country will be expended in a manner which will have a lasting bene- ficial effect on the country as a whole. The Greek Government also wishes to make known at this time its own plans for action which will lay a basis for American assistance in Greek recovery and reconstruction. The Greek people realize that ultimate solution of their problem requires great and continuous effort by themselves. They are aware that the extensive aid of the United States will not alone be suflicient to meet the large costs of restoring public order and reconstructing productive facilities over a period of years. The Greek Government will lead its people in their effort to achieve these ends. This responsibility entails the complos- ing of internal differences, the collection of more revenues, the rebuild- ing of foreign trade, the conservation of foreign exchange, the recon- struction of public works, the improvement of Government adminis- tration, assistance and guidance to agriculture and industry, estab- lishment of protective labor measures, encouragement of democratic organizations among economic and social groups, measures to control inflation and assure equitable distribution of supplies and services, and the restraint of excesses and extravagances on the part of any segment of the population. The Greek Government will undertake these and all other necessary measures to marshal Greece's own resources to the fullest extent in attaining the ends for which American assistance may be extended. This organization of Greek effort will require eco- nomic contributions and cooperation from all The Greek Government is ever mindful that primary responsibility 95347 -49-PT. 11--42 61Stat. , Pt. 1,p . 103. Expression of ap. preciation by Greek Government. Greek plans for re. covery. 61 STAT.] 2933