(3/12/47) In 1946, Communist guerrillas had begun a civil war against the government of Greece.  The Communist government of Yugoslavia gave substantial support to the guerrillas, while the British had provided the Greek government with aid. Eventually, the British informed the United States that Britain could no longer help support the regime in Greece. 

The Greeks officially requested American aid and, on March 12th, President Truman went before Congress and requested support for Greece as well as for Turkey.  A total of $400 million was requested.  Truman stated: "I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressure."
 
The Senate approved his request, 67 to 23, and the House approved it, 287 to 107.