501.BC–Greece/5–547: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
us urgent
niact
584. 1. Dept cannot agree that UN Commission report include recommendation that Greek Govt should invite observation by SC of new amnesty for political prisoners and Greek guerilla bands (Geneva’s 214 May 2 to Dept from Ethridge1 rptd to Athens) and Ethridge has been so informed. Meanwhile, however, US recommendations including this item have been circulated to all Delegations in Geneva. In view of general feeling in Commission and Ethridge’s recommendation that Dept reconsider its position (Geneva’s 227 May 42 to Dept from Ethridge rptd Athens) Dept considers essential that Greece should itself take initiative on amnesty question immediately in order forestall Commission recommendation on subject which Dept [Page 161] believes primarily Greek internal matter. With opening given by PriMin (urtel 606 Apr 30) you should approach appropriate Greek officials along lines set forth paragraph 2 this telegram. Possibility has been considered in Dept that at your discretion you might suggest that Greek initiative on this question be taken by the King himself. Greeks have previously stated that their amnesty announcements have been disregarded by world press and perhaps favorable reaction would result if new King early in his reign should take such generous step by royal decree.3
2. Although US Govt realizes that amnesty is primarily Greek internal question and that under ordinary circumstances should be carried out by Greek Govt without observation or supervision it must be recognized that this question has been exploited by unfriendly critics of Greece and Greek attitude on amnesty has been widely misrepresented in world press. There is considerable body of opinion in US which believes that Greek Govt has not been sincere in its amnesty efforts. It should also be clearly known to Greek Govt that US Govt has long favored an effective amnesty which would clearly improve internal situation in Greece. Although we recognize great difficulties facing Greek Govt in its attempts to carry out amnesty, it now appears that this question, if not dealt with by Greek initiative, will almost inevitably figure in final report of UN Commission. Almost all Delegations favor its inclusion in one form or another. If Greece could immediately announce revised terms for amnesty as liberal as possible to be carried out with international observation which the Greek Govt itself will request, desires of majority of UN Commission would be met. In our view it would then be possible for Commission to note action of Greek Govt with approbation. Thus any recommendation concerning amnesty would be rendered unnecessary.
3. Because of time element any action along these lines must be taken at once. In Dept’s view it would not be wise at this time to spell out in detail the exact form which the Greek request will take or the exact method of international observation contemplated. Dept would wish to consider various possibilities and consult with Greek Govt as to best means for implementing such action. Greek Govt announcement should simply state its intention of requesting international observation in very near future but not specify to whom that request will be made. In our view it would not be advisable at this time to make analogy to observation Greek elections as that might limit Greek request to parties of Yalta Agreement.
Sent Athens 584; rptd Geneva for Ethridge 298, London 1963.