868.00/11–2245: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 22—3:35 p.m.]
12253. Foreign Office officials said following to us regarding Greek situation:
Foreign Office has little information other than what has appeared in the press. It is still hoped that Regent will not resign. Leeper’s telegram of 3 a.m. this morning stated only that Regent was “bent on resigning”.
King’s official note to British govt was substantially same as public statement (Embassy’s 12244), particularly with respect to concluding statement as to his freedom of action. The King was “hasty” in issuing his statement which was based on incomplete information regarding suggestion for postponement of plebiscite until 1948.
We are advised Manchester Guardian statement (Embassy’s 12252, 22d55) substantially accurate. Foreign Office officials state talk of loan is being dragged in unnecessarily and greatly exaggerated. They point out that Greeks think of money first and always. They said Britain cannot consider loan to Greece at present but that McNeil [Page 182] was authorized to promise maximum British assistance through advice and general help towards rehabilitation.
It is expected that Bevin will make a statement in Commons tomorrow afternoon on Greek situation as Foreign Office expects full reports before then.
Sent Dept 12253, repeated to Athens 87.
- Not printed.↩