03 STAT.] GREECE--TRAINING FOR U.S . MARINE UNITS-FEB. 11, 21, 1949 2683 Agreement between the United States of America and Greece respecting February , 21 , 1949 training exercises for Marine units of the United States Fleet in the [T. L A . S.172 Mediterranean. Effected by exchange of notes signed at Athens February11 and 21, 1949; entered into force February 21, 1949. The American Ambassador to the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs AMERCAN EMBASSY No. 71 Athens, Greece, February11,1949. EXCELLENCY: I have the honor to inquire whether it would be agreeable to the Royal Hellenic Government to permit Marine units with the United States Fleet in the Mediterranean to carry out from time to time limited shore training exercises in Crete or in other Greek island localities mutually convenient to the competent American and Greek authorities and subject to ad hoc arrangements between these authori- ties. The purpose of such training would merely be to maintain the proficiency and condition of the Marine officers and men involved who are at sea for prolonged periods. Units engaged in training would continue to be ship based so that no facilities would be established ashore. The training conducted would consist of practice marches, short tactical problems, and, where facilities are already available, small arms firing. I also have the honor to ask whether the Royal Hellenic Government would be good enough to grant the United States Navy permission to use the uninhabited Greek island of Pondikonisi (latitude 35-;35 north, longitude 23-28 east), or similar, mutually convenient islands, for shore bombardment practices. The practices would include some flights over and some personal landings on the islands. If the Royal Hellenic Government is agreeable to extending these facilities, it is proposed that this note and Your Excellency's reply to that effect shall constitute an agreement between our respective Governments. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consid- eration. HENRY F. GRADY His Excellency CONSTANTINE TSALDARIB, Minister of ForeignAffairs, Athens.
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