Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-12-07
US. Steps toAid.
Greece Assured
By Roosevelt
Help Promised in
Exchange Of Messages
With King
BY GARRETT d. HORNER.


The United States is taking steps
to extend laid to Greece. which is
defending itself so valiantly," Presi-
dent Roosevelt assured King George
II Of Greece in an exchange of mes
sages made public today.
The Greek King informed Mr..
Roosevelt in message dated De-
cember that "all moral and mate
rial assistance will strengthen the
heroic Greek Army and will bring it
nearer to victory" in its fight for
the principles of justice, truth and
liberty"
In his reply Thursday. President
Roosevelt remarked that "all free
peoples are deeply impressed by the
courage and steadfastness of the
Greek nation" adding:
LAS your majesty knows, it is the
settled policy of the United States
Government to extend aid to those
governments and peoples who de-
fend themselves against aggression.
I assure YOUR majesty that steps are
being taken to extend such aid to
Greece. which is defending itself so
valiantly.'
Negotiates for Purchases.
Immediately after Italy started
its attempted invasion of Greece,
the Greek government began negoti-
ations through its Legation here and
the American Legation in Athens for
the purchase of vital military equip
ment in the United States.
Officials here annouced that the
Greek appeals for aid were re-
ceiving sympathetic and favorable
consideration, with further negoti-
ations centering primarily about the
mechanics of how Greece might
secure prompt delivery of American
warplanes and other supplies.
1t was disclosed last week that an
agreement had been reached in prin-
ciple to the effect that Greece would
have full opportunity to purchase
military equipment here. with de-
liveries depending on waving of
priororities by either this Govern
ment or Great Britain. Airplane
factories in particular are booked to
capacity with American and British
government orders.
It is understood that the United
States Army and Navy are reluctant
to release for shipment abroad any
more of American military produc-
ton than involved in the $3.50 ar
rangement with the British, so that
deliveries to Greece appeared to de-
pend on British willingness to waive
priority on some of their orders.
No Comment on Planes.
There was no official comment
Immediately on whether Mr.. Roose-
velts message to the Greek King
might indicate that some Of the
planes and other equipment ordered
by this Government would be al
lowed to 60 to Greece.
The exchange Of messages between
King George II and the President
was made public at the State De-
partment. Delivered through the
Greek Legation here. the message
from King George II read:
I'm this hour in which my coun-
try is engaged in hard and unequal
struggle, forced upon it by an en-
envy whose actions are motivated by
cruelty and violence, I am deeply
moved by the warm sympathy and
the keen interest manifested by the
great Nation whose destinies you
guide.
The noble American people have
often in the past rendered assistance
to my country in all critical mo-
ments of its history, and the recent
organization of the Greek War Re-
lief Association is further proof that
philhellenism continues to inspire
Americans of today in their lofty
aims.
Guardians across the seas Of the
ideals for which throughout the CEN
turtles Greeks have lived and died,
Americans today are aware that the
Greek nation is again fighting for
the principles of justice, truth and
See GPEEK Am pooo AoI