Foreign Relations of the United States, 1950, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume V

781.00/7–1950: Telegram

The Chargé in Greece (Minor) to the Secretary of State

top secret

Athens, July 19, 1950—2 p. m.

222. Embtel 209, July 18,¹ which was despatched prior receipt Deptel 167, July 17,² contained our views on general question dangerous proclivities Plastiras government as raised in Van Fleet’s L–576³ which was shown us here only after latter’s departure.

As for specific comment I feel I must first of all emphasize that Van Fleet never once raised this question with me or so far as I know with Ambassador Grady.⁴ I am therefore surprised as well as disturbed that Van Fleet should send such a message on a subject within field of my responsibility without discussing matter with me, especially since I have been uninterruptedly on spot and following all aspects of political situation closely ever since establishment Plastiras government. Had he consulted Porter and me we would have of course gladly explained to him our current thinking of which he was obviously not aware and could have brief ed him on steps we have taken and are contemplating to meet situation.

During past two months or so while Van Fleet generally absent, General Jenkins has brought to my attention reports reaching him concerning moves by Plastiras supporters and other politicians tending to undermine Papagos’ position and our policy toward Greek Army. On basis these reports we have taken corrective action within our power (Embdesp 54, July 10).⁵

Despite best efforts, Embassy cannot identify “many (Communists and fellow-travelers) now in important posts” as specific information rather than vague accusations this subject would be most helpful. As Department aware, these terms are used extremely loosely and freely by Greek rightists who tend so identify anyone who disagrees with them. In following situation closely Embassy and ECA/G have been concerned at possibility of appointment dubious persons to key posts and government-sanctioned fellow-traveler activities in certain fields, especially labor. This connection we took strong stand against Pistolakis appointment (Embtels 65, July 6 and 70, July 7)⁶ and successfully. We have also prevailed on Prime Minister’s office to withdraw its support from leftist-inspired attack on GSEE (Embtel 1352, June 9).⁷ Available facts concerning changes in gendarmerie and police have been subject several Embassy reports, but we have felt this situation insufficiently clear to warrant our intervention and we have had no recommendations for any such action from Van Fleet or anyone else. We have recently and forcefully warned Prime Minister’s office our apprehensions its fellow-traveling activities (Embtel 65, July 6) and against any further clemency measures under prevailing circumstances. We shall continue follow this question closely in cooperation JUSMAG and other interested agencies.

Crux of matter is this. When Plastiras government formed Embassy, like Department, believed time had come for Greek Government to attempt pacification and reconciliation to degree compatible with national security; to correct some wartime injustices such as those repeatedly brought to our attention by Department; to accord first priority to effort to unify country in rehabilitation tasks; in a word, to take the road to peace. These may still be Greece’s internal needs, but external situation has so drastically and dangerously altered past three weeks that Greece now, like every other country, must give its first attention to Communist menace. It is possible Plastiras government is not best instrument to carry out this policy and may not be able to face up to altered external circumstances. Our views on this latter question and the obvious alternative of Papagos solution are subject of separate telegrams.

General Jenkins, Porter and I have no differences. We are firmly agreed that any differences we might have as to future methods and means of carrying out US policy here will be discussed fully and frankly and that Embassy, ECA/G and JUSMAG must work as one team. General Van Fleet can be reassured that all of us will continue to do our utmost to prevent situation developing which could seriously jeopardize victory gained over communism in Greece to which General Van Fleet and his officers contributed so immensely.

Porter suggests that Department may wish inform Foster³ our views on this question.

Minor

1. Not printed.
2. Supra.
3. See supra.
4. His service as Ambassador in Greece had ended on June 28.
5. Not printed; in it the Chargé in Greece Harold B. Minor reported that Field Marshal Alexander “Papagos has been assured of American understanding and appropriate support with regard to the foregoing questions [on internal developments affecting his position as Commander in Chief of Greek Armed Forces] in line with our general policy of endeavoring to keep politics out of the Greek armed forces.” This despatch also enclosed a copy of a memorandum presented on June 26 to Field Marshal Papagos, setting forth a request for limitation of the Greek armed forces budget to 900 billion drachmae. (781.5/7–1050).
6. Neither printed. Telegram 70, July 7, from Athens, reported that at the July 6 meeting of the Greek Parliament Prime Minister Nicholas Plastiras announced that “he had decided to accept [Sylianos] Pistolakis’ resignation” as Governor of the Agricultural Bank of Greece (781.00/7–750).
7. Not printed.
3. William C. Foster, Deputy Administrator, Economic Cooperation Administration.