868.001 C 76/22: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (Capps) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received January 19—2:52 p.m.]
6. Your 5, January 15th, 1 p.m. Greek Government explains failure formally to announce accession Constantine due to fact that he never ceased to be King; he simply resumed throne after enforced absence. Logical corollary to this theory is that all acts of Venizelist Government are invalid and present Government goes as far as it dares in this direction. This seems to me more important issue than mere recognition of Constantine as King, and I respectfully suggest that Department would do great service by drawing from Greek Government explicit acknowledgment of legitimacy of former regime by admission that King Constantine succeeds to throne made vacant by death of King Alexander. On this basis early recognition by United States after proper formalities have been complied with it seems to me would be right and proper. If on the contrary we permit theory now being followed to go unchallenged all acts of Venizelos Government likely to be invalidated as hundreds have already been. But for such obviously good things as treaties of Neuilly and Sevres and foreign loans, et cetera, I believe blanket nullification would have been passed already. As it is, new ministry from moment it came into power acted in the name of Constantine, plebiscite only brought about his physical presence. Alexander is studiously referred to as Prince. Constantine has demanded his full salary for three and a half years of absence. The validity of all contracts made in the interval is being called in question. Of countries represented here, only Holland and Spain have entered into full relations with King; Russian Minister sees him socially, likewise Roumanian Chargé d’Affaires.