Excellency, I have the honour to refer to your Note 3650 of December 10th† in which you request information on certain points relating to the Canadian contribution to relief assistance for Greece.⁵

The agency of the Canadian Government responsible for the purchase and shipment of these commodities which are the gift of the Canadian people to your country is, as you know, the Canadian Commercial Corporation. The purchases are made on the open market, and minor adjustments arising from changes in price and available supply are frequently necessary. The Canadian Commercial Corporation, however, has the most up to date information regarding the status of the program which it is at all times glad to make available to you yourself or to the responsible official of your Embassy. I enclose for your information a statement drawn up on December 9tht showing the quantities and prices discussed in an interview of that date between Mr. Malamaki of your Embassy and Mr. Harris of the Canadian Commercial Corporation. Certain further purchases of fish were tentatively discussed at that time and at present the Canadian Commercial Corporation is engaged in the necessary examination of prices and availabilities. Another statement, showing the procurement and shipping program as of November 30, has, I understand, already been furnished to Mr. Malamaki.

It has always been understood that the Greek Government was free to take delivery of these goods in Canada and to make its own shipping arrangements. The Canadian Commercial Corporation, not having been notified by the Greek Government of the availability of Greek ships, has so far booked all space in vessels of other flags, charging the cost of freight to the relief appropriation for Greece. If the Greek Government prefers to ship in Greek bottoms, it is suggested that a procedure for effecting this change in respect of cargoes not already booked be discussed as soon as possible.

As regards the unallocated portion of the relief grant, I can only say that it was never the intention of the Canadian Government to convey the impression that a further allocation to designated recipient countries was contemplated.

I hope that this present Note will serve to confirm our conversation of December 11th and will furnish you with all the information you require.

Accept, etc.
LOUIS S. ST. LAURENT

⁵Voir les documents 500, 503-504, 510/See Documents 500, 503-4, 510.