GOVERNMENT OF GREECE REQUESTS DONATION OF EC2 TYPE

UNCLAS ATHENS 000603

SIPDIS

MARAD FOR ACTING MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR JOHN JAMIAN FROM
AMBASSADOR RIES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT GR PREL
SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT OF GREECE REQUESTS DONATION OF EC2 TYPE
LIBERTY SHIP FOR MUSEUM


1. (U) I am writing to ask your help.


2. (U) I recently met with the Greek Minister of Merchant
Marine Emmanuel Kefaloyiannis, who has been of great
assistance to us in the war on terrorism. Under his
leadership, the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) did a superb job
in protecting our athletes and VIPs during the Olympics and
the HCG has continued to provide exemplary cooperation on
port security and non-proliferation in the months since.


3. (U) The Minister requested my assistance in securing the
donation of a WWII-era EC2 type Liberty Ship to become a
floating museum in the port of Piraeus, near Athens, Greece.
There is strong sentimental attachment to Liberty ships in
Greece as Liberty ships sold by the USG at the end of the
Second World War formed the basis of what became the modern
Greek merchant marine fleet. The late Greek shipping magnate
Aristotle Onassis is perhaps the most famous purchaser,
buying sixteen to revitalize his shipping fleet.


4. (U) I understand that there is still an EC2 type Liberty
Ship, the Arthur M. Huddell, in the National Readiness
Reserve Fleet in the James River. I would like to ask for
your help in securing a donation of this or another Liberty
ship for the Government of Greece. With a Greek government
imprimatur, and with the support of wealthy Greek shipowners,
we believe that the Greek side would have no problem in
quickly raising the necessary funds to prepare the Arthur M.
Huddell for safe transport across the Atlantic and for its
restoration.


5. (U) The donation of this vessel would provide valuable
political goodwill and public diplomacy opportunities for the
USG. A Liberty ship museum in Piraeus would prominently, and
permanently, highlight the positive aspects of the U.S.-Greek
relationship, and document the U.S. role in helping Greece to
its pre-eminent position in the merchant shipping world
today. Let me know what we need to do to make this happen.
Sincerely, Charlie Ries.
RIES