123 L 36/153d: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Atherton)
32. The President wishes to appoint Irwin B. Laughlin, formerly Counselor of our Embassy at London, as Minister to Greece. See Register of the Department of State or Who’s Who in America, vol. 12, p. 1863, for biographical sketch.
Make customary inquiry at Foreign Office as to whether appointment is acceptable and report by telegraph. You may orally inform Foreign Office that it has not been determined definitely when Mr. Laughlin will leave for Greece if an agrément is accorded.
You are informed confidentially that the inquiry which you are asked to make should not be interpreted as at all related to present Greek political developments. For some time the President has wished to nominate Mr. Laughlin and the appointment of a Minister has been made possible by the recent recognition given to the Greek Government.
As before stated, the time of Mr. Laughlin’s departure has not been determined. It would be a cause for regret should the Greek [Page 269] Government interpret this step as implying our approval of any particular tendency in the political developments in Greece or give publicity to such an interpretation. Such a situation might delay the Minister’s departure.
The President wishes to have Mr. Laughlin’s nomination presented to the Senate soon, but should you see serious objection to immediately requesting agrément in view of change in Cabinet reported in your telegrams 43 of March 8 and 44 of March 9 you may delay action and telegraph for instructions.