868.00/9–745: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 7—4:45 p.m.]
9163. We talked today with Sir Orme Sargent8 about visit here of Greek Regent Damaskinos who arrived in London yesterday.
Sir Orme told us that it was thought both in Athens and London that it would be well for the Regent personally to meet leaders of British Government and at same time talk over here in London situation now prevailing in Greece. It would not be well to involve Soviets in these talks. Consequently the talks would be carried on separately outside the field of the Council of Foreign Ministers’ talks. It was hoped however, Sir Orme added, that during the Regent’s stay in London a meeting with Mr. Byrnes could be arranged.
The Greek Government, Sir Orme continued, now favors postponing the plebiscite until after the elections. Greek officials have been vague about how long the plebiscite should be postponed. In his view, Sir Orme then said, the plebiscite should not be put off [Page 155] for any protracted period. That would run counter to the agreement reached with King George and might call into question the whole arrangement under which the Regency is functioning. The King of Greece is now in Scotland. A meeting between him and the Regent at some stage during the Regent’s stay seemed desirable and necessary.
The Regent plans to be here about a week.
Sent Dept as 9163, repeated Athens as 51.
- British Deputy Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.↩