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(c) If the above solution should be adopted,

a detailed plan for the change-over would have to be prepared. After

(a)

(e)

approval, it would have to be presented to the Greek Government. Shipping plans would also have to be considered. In the meantime, pending rearmament of the Greeks with British weapons, we should have to do all we could to sustain them on present lines.

The decision involves issues of

the highest polisy, and the Committee

can do no more than state the case and leave the decision to the War Cabinet,

A decision is a matter of great urgency.

In this connection, attention is drawn to Sir H. Knatchbull-Hugessen's telegram No. 73 of 11th January, from which the following are extracts:-

*20

I

X

Military Attache learns from an excellent source, who has full knowledge of armament trade, that Greeks only have sufficient

ammunition till the end of February. As they are equipped with French and Czecho-Slovak artillery, this ammunition cannot be restocked. Germans realize this, and are waiting till shortage takes effect. They will then offer to arrange peace on basis of Greece receiving parts of Southern Albanis, and will at the same time, threaten to invade Greece, if Greece

efuses

I

X

40 As regards shortage of ammunition in Greece, previous experience shows that the freaks are constitutionally improvident and will carry on until too late without realizing position".

X

xxx

X

We cannot confirm the above, especially as to the date. Neither can we deny it. But the present trend of events in the Balkans seems rather in that direction.

(Signed) HANKEY.

288

55, Whitehall, S. W. 1.

29TH JANUARY, 1951.

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