U.S. Interest In Greece

Northern Advocate, 29 March 1947, Page 7

U.S. Interest In Greece

(Rec. 1 p.m.) NEW YORK. Mar. 23. Addressing the Security Council today the United States delegate, Mr Warren Austin, said the United States Government has a special and pressing interest in effective action by the Security Council in the Greek case.

“I don't need to recall to the Security Council the desperate plight of Greece and of the Greek people, or the great concern of the United States in preventing hei collapse/’ he said.

“The council has thrice heard the story of her tragedy and her danger. One aspect of the tragedy that threatens to destroy her freedom and independence is now under active investigation by the Security Council’s Commission of Investigation in Northern Greece. “The United States believes that the Security Council should assure itself that we are agreed as to the manner in which the commission now investigating the disturbances along the northern Greex border can most effectively assist the council in our further consideration of the complaint brought by the Greek Government.

PRINCIPAL CONCERN

“My principal concern is that the commission continue its work, including its investigation along the northern Greek border until the Security Council itself has diposed of the Greek case.”

Recording that both Greece and Turkey had asked the United States for financial aid, Mi Austin said. “President Truman’s proposed programme of assistance has a specified and direct bearing upon the central objectives of United States foreign polj C y_to strengthen the United Nations and advance the building of collective security under the United Nations —tt would, in fact be a most essential act in support of this policy of the United States in and toward the United Nations.”

PRINCIPLES OF CHARTER

He continued: “As the President said, ‘ln helping free and independent nations to maintain their freedom, the United States will be giving effect to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.’

“The proposed programme of assistance by the United States is directly related to the act of the United States in creating a commission of investigation.

“The United States believes that it is of the highest importance that the United Nations should take further action toward meeting urgent problems confronting Greece, as it should for any other country that may be in similar circumstances."

Referring to proposals which the United States made to make the work of the commission more effective, Mr Austin said: “Action along these lines by the Security Council, combined with the proposed emergency programme of assistance by the United States, would advance the prospects of peace and security in that part of the world. COMPLEMENTARY “Neither action would be of as much effect if taken without the other, for these are complementary, not conflicting proposals one to watch areas where actual disturbances occur, the other to strengthen Greece sufficiently to maintain internal order and to restore to her people hope and confidence in their future as a free people. “Without such measures each supplementing the other, there is grave danger that the situation which is now before the Security Council might deteriorate.

“It is apparent that the Security Council may wish to consider, after receipt of the commission’s report, such further action as recommending that Greece, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Albania agree on a system of border control regulations, and that a continuing commission consisting of representatives of members of the Security Council be established.’’ CAUSE OF PEACE “It is my belief that the proposed United States programme of assistance to Greece and Turkey, together with effective action by the Security Council in the case of the northern Greek frontiers would materially advance the cause of peace.

“The United States desires to collaborate in peace and equality with all nations.

“It does not desire to dominate, intimidate or threaten the security of any nation, large or small. “The United States will support collective security for all nations. The programme of economic assistance contemplated by the United States is of an emergency and temporary character.

“The United States believes that the United Nations and its related agencies should assume principal responsibility within their capabilities for the long-range tasks of assistance required for the reconstruction of Greece, but these are long-range United Nations programmes.

“They cannot meet the present emergency.

SUPPORT DESIRED

“President Truman's message to Congress comprehended more than Greece and Turkey when he spoke of conditions in the world affecting security of the United States through the insecurity of the world.

“The United States is giving momentum to the, United Nations by its present policy and it desires and welcomes a corresponding interest and support from other members of the United Nations.

“We look forward to the time when such burdens may be carried through the United Nations.

“It is important that the United Nations take active interest in everything required for the re-establish-ment of stability and to discourage and prevent threats of aggression of any kind or threats to the independence of a fellow member."