868.00/7–2147: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
most immediate
1185. Regarding questions in final paragraphs Deptel 1082 July 18, I feel that while we cannot, in view of inveterate pettiness of Greek politicians, insist too much on advisability of maximum broadening of government at this critical time, it would be a mistake to give explicit support to any party or political personality. I believe our policy of careful non-interference in Greek internal affairs to be one of our strongest assets for dealing successfully with Greek people, and Sophoulis himself, in conversation with Griswold and me July 18, went out of way to express gratitude for it.
Though from time to time he and other Greek leaders may be expected to endeavor make us abandon it in their favor, Department may be assured that we shall in long run have greater influence with all if we maintain it. Meanwhile, general advice from US at this time cannot be other than of great importance to this country, and I believe Tsaldaris might usefully hear our views clearly and distinctly from Department as he has already heard them repeatedly from me. This was sense of my suggestion in final paragraph mytel 1040, July 7.
Furthermore, I hope that Secretary may be willing to issue personally, at early date, some strong statement especially devoted to our hopes for Greek unity and our belief in its prime necessity. Such a statement from such a source would immediately reach Greek electorate over heads of politicians and would, I believe, do more than any amount of confidential advice to convince latter of existence of a compelling motive for setting their own house in order. Military situation [Page 253] I feel to be essentially unrelated to this question except insofar as morale could not fail be improved by achievement of unity in political world.
Regarding amnesty, Government has already declared its willingness to grant “general amnesty” under international supervision provided rebels first lay down arms (mytel 1078, June [July] 9). Proviso seems reasonable, since Government cannot afford treat with armed subversive movement in same way as with legal adversary, but consequence is that amnesty can only be general if laying down of arms is general, which is highly improbable, believe therefore advisable not use word “general” this connection as liable raise too many questions. However, amnesty to individuals who lay down arms already in force and Government has declared (mytel 734, May 20), prior to recommendation by Balkan commission, its intention to “invite impartial foreign observers of one or more countries to visit Greece and observe fair and equitable treatment accorded to anyone desirous of taking advantage of clemency of state and put himself under its protection”. Though obviously “fully satisfactory implementation of amnesty must be contingent on effective measures to seal northern frontier” and these cannot be taken immediately, a favorable decision by SC on the Greek case would seem excellent opportunity for Greek delegate to reiterate his Government’s intention which so far would seem to have received too little publicity.