868.002/8–1947: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
1409. Question of reshuffling Cabinet will certainly come up here shortly following Tsaldaris’ return (Deptel 1343, August 15) but not on his initiative whatever he may have planned in US. Papandreou called yesterday to say that he, Canellopoulos and Venizelos, the three Centrists presently in Government, intend promptly precipitating crisis by insisting that Zervas be elminated and that renewed efforts be made to induce Sophoulis to collaborate in forming broader coalition. [Page 300] Stated Prime Minister also in agreement his plan (for Prime Minister’s intention bring up Zervas matter, see mytel 1247, July 301) and will issue public invitation to Sophoulis to come in. Believe Tsaldaris must drop Zervas because all three Centrists will threaten resign unless he does so and he lacks sufficient strength carry on without them. Papandreou skeptical as to success with Sophoulis, but emphasized riddance of Zervas necessary in view lack of general confidence and effect this having on Greece’s prospects for full foreign support.
Saw Prime Minister yesterday morning and he confirmed above. Said intends seeing Tsaldaris at once and posing question Zervas. Will emphasize latter does not inspire confidence in US whose maximum collaboration now absolutely necessary to Greek Government and Greek people, also that he at loggerheads with General Staff causing impossible situation for national defense. Will support Papandreou for War Ministry as he is in “excellent” relations with Staff, and also Canellopoulos for Minister Public Safety since he man of broad views and unquestioned integrity. If reshuffle along these lines accepted by Tsaldaris, Prime Minister added he will make appeal for Sophoulis adherence. Fear however that Sophoulis will hold out not only for premiership, which Maximos willing to hand over but also for complete domination all portfolios, which would ruin prospects of collaboration other parties. Also fears Tsaldaris returning with “swelled head”.
Believe if Cabinet reformed along above lines, with or without Sophoulis, it should have our support as constituting at least improvement present Government. Dept may be sure “narrow party interest” never likely be wholly eliminated here and “hardhitting unit” as result of any combination Greek politicians wholly Utopian. However approximation can and should be made and feel present ferment good sign this connection. Support of any move made by Greeks toward nationwide political unity all the more essential as potential dictators like Zervas and Plastiras will be waiting in wings to exploit failure, not to speak of possible Kerenskys like aged Sophoulis when under influence, as apparently at present, of non-cooperative portion his party.
On other hand, have already given my opinion (mytel 1185, July 21) that traditional US policy of avoiding detailed interference in Greek politics, is sound. If Department now contemplates changing this policy, I would desire warn it that in my opinion no government openly set up under foreign influence can succeed this country. Therefore advise “steps taken to bring about changes in Cabinet” be confined to continued emphasizing of desirability general patriotic [Page 301] unity in time crisis and to bringing out impossibility of cooperating with undesired individuals in such a way as to influence Greeks remove them on own initiative. This tactic already apparently promising some success in case Zervas.
As Cabinet crisis seems bound occur in any case, feel Secretary’s proposed statement, which I have already recommended (mytel 1185, July 21) could do no harm. On contrary, believe might do much good in encouraging all possible Greek efforts toward unity while keeping our own policy of detailed non-involvement clear in public eye.
Griswold’s ideas, to which I find no objection, given in next following telegram. Regarding suggestion that pressure be applied discreetly through Prime Minister, this already being done for some time past as Dept knows. Also Rendis already aware our attitude through talks with me and actually has asked see me again urgently. Finally, Tsaldaris well knows our views represent best interests of Greece and will be told again by Prime Minister and by me if necessary.
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