868.76/35: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Aldridge) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 22—3:30 p.m.]
58. It was decided yesterday that Marconi radio award be submitted to Chamber of Deputies with the understanding that if rejected an entirely new adjudication would be held.
[Paraphrase.] Reason for hope had been given Mr. Durham that the Minister of Communications would take steps himself to annul the award to Marconi in favor of the American company. The Prime Minister, however, it appears, made the above indicated decision. This was not unfavorable, since the new Minister of Communications, the parliamentary committee, and the Chamber president were, apparently, all favoring the Durham case.
Last evening, however, so I gather, the British Legation made strong representations to Venizelos and now, from what I learn, prospects are much less encouraging. Having been constantly in communication with the Minister of Communications, I had another interview this morning and summarized the Legation’s position, in view of this afternoon’s meeting of the parliamentary committee. In my opinion, everything depends now upon the Prime Minister and upon the force of the considerations behind the British representations.
If stronger representations are desired by the Department, they should be made now.
Yesterday morning Mr. Durham left for Paris by way of Venice. [End paraphrase.]