868.001/9–345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 4—6:30 a.m.]
963. Your telegram 898, September 1. Regent has already given my British colleague preliminary views very similar to Dept’s and arranged to see me today but postponed this because slightly indisposed. However, I have communicated Dept’s suggestions by personal note to him today and will telegraph again after audience now set for tomorrow evening. Have also privately advised him of “my suggestion” that he be invited Washington and Dept’s reply (your telegram [Page 152] 899, September 15) which I am sure he will understand as well as find welcome in connection with his recent decision to continue serving Govt.
- Not printed. In his telegram 932, August 28, 1945, 7 p.m., the Ambassador in Greece had commented favorably in reporting that he had “received indirect intimation” from the Regent to the effect that the latter would welcome an invitation to visit Washington after the projected London visit (868.00/8–2845). In replying the Secretary of State said in telegram 899, September 1, 1945, noon: “In spite of our esteem for Regent and appreciation of his leadership during critical period, Dept see no practical purpose to be served by visit to US at this time. Regent will undoubtedly see me and Dept representatives in London so that little further could be accomplished here. No convincing reason for his presence here could be announced and ensuing speculation linking his London and Washington visits would tend to emphasize present unfortunate cleavage between Western Allies and Russia on Greek problems. In addition we doubt wisdom of Regent’s prolonged absence from Greece at this critical juncture. Consequently I hope you will seek suitable opportunities tactfully to discourage this idea.” (868.00/8–2845)↩