868.00/7–2147: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1343. Persistent rumors of imminent changes in Greek Govt and Tsaldaris’ initiative in raising this subject with US officials in Washington (Deptel 1142 July 25) may foreshadow reshuffling or resignation Greek Cabinet upon return of Tsaldaris to Athens. Dept continues to be disturbed by apparent inability of Greek political leaders to cooperate sincerely for good of Greece at time when failure to do so [Page 297] may well mean disappearance of their country as sovereign nation. For your info Secretary considered issuing public statement prior his departure for Rio reaffirming views of Feb 14 statement and again urging broadening of Greek Govt. However, decision was finally made not to issue such statement at this time for fear it might precipitate eventuality which we hope to avoid, that is, a cabinet crisis.
Dept still believes that broad coalition including Sophoulis Liberals would, if agreed upon with sincere determination of all parties to work for common good, be best demonstration to world of Greek unity and would enlist support for Greek case during UN consideration. Such a coalition would of course be no improvement on present Govt if headed by a politician with narrow party interests or if composed of political leaders not willing to submerge party or individual ambitions to welfare of Greece or if members not able to work together as a single hard hitting unit.
Dept would appreciate your views as to what steps, if any, can be taken to bring about such changes in cabinet as would elicit more support in Greece, enlist more sympathy from world opinion, execute more effective measures to reduce guerrilla menace, and cooperate more efficiently with US aid program for general welfare Greek people. Would also appreciate your opinion urgency any steps which should be taken in view Tsaldaris’ early return. Evident to Dept that main purpose Tsaldaris’ visit was to build up his own political reputation by returning from US with accomplishments which would convince political leaders and Greek public that he personally had US support. In this he has been unsuccessful but it is not improbable that he may have some plan to threaten serious cabinet crisis in attempt to make US more amenable to his wishes.
In view importance this problem with relation success or failure AMAG operations request you consult with Griswold and transmit your joint views on this subject clearly stating any differences existing.