868.00/11–648: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Grady) to the Secretary of State
2246. I have considered it unwise in present circumstance to interfere or give detailed advice in current Greek political crisis (Deptel 1584, November 4). We can, of course, step in at any time and attempt to constitute a government but this might prove only temporary expedient and certainly would be regarded by Greeks as an American-imposed solution. Hard lesson must be brought home to Greeks that only through their own sacrifice and toil can Greece be salvaged. This applies to political as well as to economic and military fields. We are, of course, following situation closely to avoid if possible an unconstitutional or dictatorial solution which would further damage Greece’s already unfortunate reputation abroad. It is also highly important to avoid prolonged period without government. Within this framework I believe Greeks should be allowed and even required to seek their own solution rather than be permitted turn to US for direction. I consider that the desirability of bringing home to Greek politicians the over-riding necessity of political collaboration is worth the risk of a brief period without a government which may be involved.
As to kind of government best suited to Greece at present moment, we have consistently urged continuation of broad coalition as most effective and most representative of will of Greek people. There is no denying that present government is relatively ineffective and does not fully respond to needs of people or meet with their general approval. However, any other political combination or a service government would suffer same disabilities plus additional handicaps and there has been recent improvement in government’s handling of economic problems important to ECA program. A “supra-party” government would have defects of present coalition compounded and a service-type government should, in my opinion, be avoided if possible since it would probably be less effective and cohesive than coalition and run additional risk of turning into dictatorship especially since it would probably insist on prolonged recess of Chamber. Names most commonly heard for head of service government are Papagos, Voulgaris and Poulitsas none of whom outstanding or considered especially capable as statesmen. In ultimate analysis, improvement Greek political situation can be brought about only by Greeks themselves through broader view [Page 181] and self-abnegation on part of political leaders, of which evidence still generally lacking. Best interests ourselves and Greeks, I believe, would be served by encouraging reconstitution present coalition government with such modifications and improvements as may be possible and necessary to command parliamentary majority.
Department will have noted important differences between current political crisis and previous crises since constitution of Populist-Liberation [Liberal] coalition in September, 1947.
- 1.
- Due defections from both major parties, present government no longer commands majority in Parliament.
- 2.
- Earlier crises resulted from differences between Sophoulis and Tsaldaris, either directly or in support of their respective subordinates. At present, these two leaders working in general agreement.
- 3.
- Absence of Tsaldaris in Paris temporarily removes from Athens scene the unquestioned leader of what is still Greece’s largest party. Whatever his reputation in various circles abroad, Tsaldaris is probably strongest and most capable single figure in Greek political life today.
- 4.
- At moment GA is discussing Greek case (Embtel 2237, November 5;1 repeated Paris 223) even fall of government (which we hope can be postponed until discussion completed and which we trust will not be followed by prolonged crisis) seems preferable to setting up “US imposed” government with inevitable bad reaction in Greece and abroad.
Sent Department 2246; repeated Paris for USDel 226, London 192, pouched Salonika.
- Not printed.↩