868.00/10–745: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
1133. Following Government announcement election date (my telegram 1129, October 7) and despite apparent sympathetic reception my urging all leaders collaborate to achieve greatest possible measure national unity (my telegram 1128, October 6), Sophoulis held Liberal Party conference yesterday afternoon and later joined Progressive Agrarian and Socialist Parties in issuing statements this morning’s press threatening abstention elections unless certain conditions secured, principally formation of new government inspiring more general confidence. Sophoulis’ statement insists Voulgaris Government unable prepare quick and honest elections. “Only political government of center with participation moderate elements will be adequate” to do this and deal with economic problem. “If necessary conditions are not achieved Liberal Party (which on principle opposed to abstention) is not inclined share responsibility for pitiful electoral comedy which will result in national tragedy.” Supporting this point of view Kaphandaris (Progressive) calls Government decision “coup d’état which will lead Greek people to civil war and Greece to destruction”. Mylonas (Agrarian) says only Governmental change can create proper conditions for elections and failing this only defense democratic parties is abstention. Svolos (Socialist) speaks of “destructive game” being played at expense of Greek people and says “no one can believe that any consistently democratic party would agree to participate in such a comedy”. In addition Tsouderos (Independent) urging Government withdraw its decree echoes “dangerous division” and Communist Rizospastis speaks of “legalized coup d’état against people by collaborationist—Regent, and Leeper”.
Faced with above situation British colleague told me this morning he has sent word to Regent who is out of town over Sunday that he should act promptly and that “what would be best with House of Commons” now scheduled convene shortly would be announcement of [Page 171] formation new government of Left Center. Suggested Tsouderos as possibly best chance head such government on account republicanism and understanding economics finance.
Leeper added his experience in talks with political leaders agrees with mine in showing latter polite but uninterested our appeals national unity in comparison partisan aims. Believes with me fundamental cause failure collaborate is complete absorption politicians in problem of monarchy and persistent widespread suspicion Britain intending bring back King all costs and backing Rightist elements this connection. Said this suspicion must be obviated and desirable either British Government issue clear statement real attitude or perhaps more feasible support Republican forces here as method likely achieve greatest measure unity. Would include in proposed Left Center Government one or two non-Communist members resistance movement. Realizes difficulty likely arise with Army and National Guard now chiefly Royalist but feels Extreme Right unlikely attempt coup in view certain lack all foreign support and “anyway must risk something”.
Apparently Republican Democratic Greece (aided this instance by Communists) is coming close to forcing showdown from British on their attitude toward King which I indicated in my last Greek report in 1941 as certain become critical after liberation but which never yet openly clarified.