Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

868.00/8–547: Telegram

Governor Dwight P. Griswold to the Secretary of State

secret

Athens, August 5, 1947—6 p. m.

1291. Amag 47. To McGhee from Griswold. Received cable July 31.¹ relative to British decision. Am taking liberty of making recommendation.

1. British troop withdrawal if confirmed will in my opinion make impossible the effective operation of AMAG. Greek morale will diminish to such extent that creation of independent government based on Salonika is possibility. In Athens area, Communist pressure would be extended to such extent that our effectiveness would be limited. US prestige could suffer severe blow.

2. If withdrawal confirmed believe United States should furnish troops of slightly greater strength than those withdrawn. Propose then that British Military Mission also go and all military training in Greece be under United States leadership with one officer in Charge of integrated program. If this plan is followed Greek morale would be improved as they now look to US for leadership and entire program could be better coordinated. Believe that announcement of US enlarged participation should be made same moment as announcement of British withdrawal.²

3. Believe that plan in paragraph 2 above would have better chance of success if confirmed only after agreement by Greek political leaders to revise their cabinet and give it broader base agreeable to US Government. If plan is announced without such agreement we might appear to be attempting to preserve present political setup and Charge would be made our troops used to fight internal political war. Seemingly every impartial American observer here feels change in political complexion of government is necessary if recruitment pool for bandits is to be drained away. No Greek Government should be permitted which might give any comfort to Communists but, at end of three weeks of conferences with qualified American observers, I am confident a change could be suggested by Ambassador which would be very helpful. Some changes necessary to create national unity which is being constantly preached by Ambassador and myself although I have made no suggestions whatever as to changes which should be made. Contemplated change in military situation would be ideal time to bring matter to focus. My judgment is based upon short acquaintance with problem but it leads me to definite conclusion that action is necessary and would accomplish great good. US need give no thought to avoidance of accusation of interference. That Charge against us will be made in any case. Only question is whether good results can be obtained.

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Griswold

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1. This refers to telegram 1179, July 30, to Athens; see footnote 1 to telegram 1213, p. 276.
2. The Department notified Ambassador MacVeagh and Governor Griswold in telegrams 1276, Gama 55, and 1277, August 8, of the high-level discussions with the British then in progress and of its hope that the British would reconsider their proposed action (841.2368/8–847).