868.00/12–1444: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
1750. Reference my 1740, December 13 and 1699, December 11. Churchill has telegraphed Alexander stating that he placed Alexander’s [Page 153] telegraphic report on situation in Greece before War Cabinet which was very grateful for his appreciation of situation and approved his recommended action (gradual formation of Greek National Guard and introducing British reinforcements into Greece). Churchill authorized Alexander to proceed immediately towards appointment of Archbishop of Athens as Prime Minister of Greece without further consulting War Cabinet. He added that Eden, with authority of War Cabinet, would take up with King George of Greece proposal that Archbishop should be made Regent. He stated that the King, however, was opposed to this on the ground that it would be construed as imposing something on people before they had a chance to vote on King or government they wanted. Churchill stressed British anxiety to arrive quickly at some solution in Greek crisis.