Foreign Relations of the United States, 1948, Eastern Europe; The Soviet Union, Volume IV

868.00/10–2148

Memorandum of Conversation, by the Secretary of State¹

secret

[Paris,] October 21, 1948.

Subject: Impressions of My Recent Visit to Greece

Participants:	H. E. Mr. Constantine Tsaldaris, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece
	The Secretary
	Mr. Drew2
	Mr. Howard

Mr. Tsaldaris called on me this morning at 11:15 at the Embassy residence at his request. Mr. Tsaldaris asked whether I had obtained any basic impressions concerning the situation in Greece. I replied that I had brought back with me a distinct feeling of encouragement concerning the overall situation—a feeling which was supported by the great degree of agreement among all those concerned with whom I had spoken during my brief sojourn in Athens. I said that I had talked with the King, the Prime Minister, members of the Greek Cabinet, various American and British officials, both civil and military, concerning all aspects of the questions involved and had found no essential differences of view, although there were differences as to details and certain natural conflicts of personalities. I regarded the problem of personalities as one of the most troublesome, but I felt that the necessary compromises could and should be made so that all elements in the Government could move in the same direction toward the ultimate solution of Greece’s problems.

I also told Mr. Tsaldaris that he need not be troubled about the matter of a reduction of the Greek Army under present circumstances, the problem of a possible increase being the important issue. In this connection, I stressed that much more important than even the best of plans, an increase in the Army and more equipment, was the problem of “refreshing” the Army under effective command from the highest officers to the lowest echelons. Asked whether I had any specific recommendations to make concerning the situation, I replied that recommendations were being made for study on the part of all those concerned, but that I did not feel at liberty to discuss them at this stage. I did say, however, that I was encouraged by what I had seen in Greece, and that I was confident that, despite obvious difficulties, the problems could be solved if there were determination to do so, and if the necessary compromises were effected in the interest of meeting the guerrilla threat.

In closing, Mr. Tsaldaris brought up the question of our draft resolution concerning the Greek case in the General Assembly. I told Mr. Tsaldaris to take up this matter with Mr. Drew and Mr. Howard, since I had two other appointments. I noted, however, that I would appreciate it if the Greek Delegation would not oppose our efforts to have the Greek question considered at an early date, remarking that, contrary to the remarks made in Committee I yesterday afternoon, we had desired to postpone discussion of the Palestine problem precisely because we did not want domestic American political considerations to enter into the debate on this issue. Mr. Tsaldaris indicated that he fully appreciated our position.³

[Here follows a final paragraph of discussion on the Greek case at the General Assembly, after the departure of Secretary Marshall.]

1. Drafted by Harry N. Howard, an Adviser to the United States Delegation at the Third Regular Session of the General Assembly.
2. Gerald A. Drew, Acting United States Representative on the United Nations Special Committee on the Balkans.
3. The Secretary, on October 27, gave Mr. Bevin his impressions of his visit to Greece, emphasizing military matters. He also outlined to Mr. Bevin the recommendations he had made in Martel 70, October 21 (memorandum by Mr. Bohlen, 868.00/10–2748). Regarding Martel 70, see footnote 1, p. 165.