Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Near East and Africa, Volume VIII

CFM Files–Lot M 88, Box 31

Memorandum by the First Secretary of Embassy in Portugal (Cannon) to the Assistant Secretary of State (Dunn)⁹

[London,] September 11, 1945.

After my conversation with Sir Maurice Petersen¹⁰ at the Foreign Office this afternoon, Mr. Hayter¹¹ asked me to stay on to discuss certain Balkan problems (See also separate memoranda).

He referred to the proposal of the Greek Regent, made to Ambassador MacVeagh, before the Regent’s departure from Athens, to the effect that elections under British, American and French supervision be held at an early date, without the plebiscite which, under the existing agreement, should be held before the end of the year. Under the Regent’s plan it would be postponed for about three years. Presumably Mr. MacVeagh asked for instructions on the matter. The British position is still undecided. They find the proposal thoroughly reasonable, because it seems that neither the Greek Government nor the “communists” really want the plebiscite which, in existing circumstances, could not be a fair one, hence the engagement to hold the plebiscite now could be dissolved by common accord. On the other hand, the Greek Royalists, hoping to win out now but doubtful of their prospects as time goes on, would be bitterly disappointed if the plebiscite is postponed. The Foreign Office would like to know how we feel about the proposal.

In this connection Mr. Hayter conveyed informally the Greek Regent’s desire to meet the Secretary.¹² The Regent did not wish to risk a rejection to a formal request made directly. Mr. Hayter said that the Regent’s purpose was to “pay his respects” before leaving London, but he, Hayter, thought we should like to have the background outlined above in the event that we have not yet sent instructions to MacVeagh on the matter, since the Regent may refer to it, if the Secretary receives him.

9. Mr. Dunn and Mr. Cannon were at this time serving as members of the U.S. delegation to the Council of Foreign Ministers in London.
10. British Ambassador to Turkey.
11. William G. Hayter, Acting Head of the Southern Department of the British Foreign Office.
12. The Greek Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Aghnides) had proposed in a letter of September 1, 1945, to the American Ambassador a meeting of the Greek Regent with the Secretary of State when the latter came to London (London Embassy Files).