264. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State0

844. For Secretary from Dillon.1 Re Athens 842.2 I do not wish to comment on substantive issues regarding latest Spaak proposal but feel that procedural aspects are of such importance that my first hand impressions might be helpful.

Greek Government, including most moderate elements, are shocked at what they considered to be negative US Government reaction in latest NAC meeting to Spaak proposal.

Since they accepted idea of NAC consideration of Cyprus at US urging they cannot understand why US stands alone among disinterested parties in avoiding positive support for Spaak proposals. They report that only UK, Turkey and United States failed to support Spaak and they particularly impressed by strength of Canadian support. They admit French support not clear in Thursday session but expect France to eventually back Spaak.

They are putting hope in another Council session Monday after Spaak has had opportunity talk directly with you.

If such a session is held I feel US would be in untenable position vis-a-vis Greeks if we did not support Spaak proposal for conference. Question of backstage pressure on UK and Turks to accept is entirely different matter and we might well decide to take no action in that regard. Nub of question is will we oppose or support in NAC an important NAC initiative toward settlement. From procedural point of view weight of argument would seem to be clearly on side of supporting Spaak both because of effect on NATO as an organization and because of our previous record of support for NATO initiative in this particular matter.

Riddleberger
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/9–2658. Secret; Priority. Received at 4:03 p.m. Repeated to Paris for USRO, Ankara, and London. A typewritten note at the end of the telegram indicates it was passed to Secretary Dulles at USUN.
  2. Dillon left Washington on September 19 on an 11-nation tour to study the operations of the Mutual Security Program. He visited Athens September 25–27.
  3. Telegram 842 from Athens, September 26, reported that Karamanlis had expressed disappointment at the reserved attitude of the United States toward the Spaak proposals. (Department of State, Central Files, 747C.00/9–2658)