868.00/8–2345: Telegram
The Ambassador in the Soviet Union (Harriman) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 23—3:35 p.m.]
3015. Izvestiya August 22 carries two-column article “Elections in Greece and Foreign Observers”.
Question of observation of Greek elections by representatives of certain powers, states editorial, has serious political significance. Soviet Government took negative attitude toward proposal made by Anglo-Americans at Berlin to send observers not only to Greece but to other countries, as inconsistent, “with principle of state independence and sovereignty of country in relation to which such observation is setup”.
Article hammers this point, declaring that “observation” actually amounts to control by foreign states. It makes no difference whether such “control” is voluntary or not. Such control “indisputably is one form of direct interference in internal affairs” of state to which it is applied.
Editorial repeatedly asserts that Soviet attitude toward this proposal was dictated by principles of Soviet foreign policy “based on respect for other states, large and small”, and flowing from “faith in democratic forces and rights of people, whether they be small or large”.
Editorial rejects position of British Govt “taking upon itself role of observer” on basis of its obligations to Greece and obligations assumed at Yalta. Regarding “private English obligations” Izvestiya cites statement by New York Times correspondent Sulzberger to effect [Page 149] that Britain’s obligations to Greece are both moral and imperialistic, since Greece controls Eastern Mediterranean and Suez Canal Zone. Regarding Yalta obligations Izvestiya argues that anyone can see that necessary conditions referred to in Yalta communiqué for establishment of democratic institutions do not exist and that under these conditions observation of elections corresponds neither in letter nor in spirit to Crimea declaration.
Chief task of Allies, concludes editorial, is to assure conditions for genuinely democratic elections. When this is assured, there will be no need for special observers. Appointment of observers indicates that election conditions in Greece do not inspire confidence of Allies. But in that case observers will not help.
“In that case this problem demands other methods for its solution.”
Sent to Dept 3015; repeated to Athens 43; Sofia 89; Bucharest 116; London 421.