868.002/8–2447: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
us urgent
niact
1404. 1. We have been giving careful study to info and suggestions contained in your helpful tels 1409 Aug 19 and 1410 Aug 20. We assume that present Cabinet crisis has arisen as result of developments outlined in tels under reference and that in your discussions with Greek political leaders on subject of new govt you are in general following lines suggested in our 1343 Aug 15 which we believe represent views developed in past in cooperation between Dept and Emb and with which Griswold is in general accord. Comments and suggestions set forth below may be helpful to you in connection with any further conversations which you may consider it advisable to have with Greek political leaders at present time.
2. It is extremely difficult for us at this end to endeavor to give advice as to precisely who should or should not be included at this time in Greek govt. This difficulty arises in part from complexity and fluidity of internal situation in Greece and in part from instability and tendency towards opportunism of many Greek political leaders. We agree with you at least for time being we should continue to pursue policy of avoiding detailed interference in Greek politics at same time emphasizing to Greek political leaders gravity of their responsibility for formation of effective Greek govt resting on foundation which will give it broad national support.
3. Cabinet changes outlined in your tels above referred to appear to us to be move in desirable direction of closer cooperation between Parliamentary parties at time when all Greek political leaders should be willing to subordinate party interests to national ideals and work as unified groups striving to save Greek independence. It is our hope at this time that Greek Cabinet Mins will not think of themselves as [Page 311] representing their own party interests even though they are members and representatives of political parties.
4. It seems to us that intransigence of either Sophoulis or Tsaldaris in present circumstances or bargaining by either of them for Premiership can be interpreted only as indication that they still fail to comprehend gravity of situation and necessity of present [ing] solid political front to Greek people and rest of world or that they are unwilling to forego personal ambitions in order to achieve govt able to cooperate effectively with AMAG and to utilize US aid to fullest extent.
5. It is extremely important that in effecting change in Cabinet no impression should be created that there is slackening in determination of Greek Govt to restore law and order in country or that there is hesitancy which will have effect of strengthening morale of guerrillas and their friends.
6. In your discretion you may tell leaders that US Govt is prepared, in case of harmonious formation of broadest possible coalition cabinet, to make its satisfaction matter of immediate public record.