868.01/8–3047: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
1504. Following formation new Government (my telegram 1503, August 301) King summoned me to Palace midnight to inform me of developments. Said that both Larissa Corps Commander, who had journeyed Athens for purpose, and Chief of Staff had called on him to say they could no longer answer for Army if some government not immediately formed, and that this had been important motivating factor in acceptance Tsaldaris Government. He thought Tsaldaris had made surprisingly commendable efforts to obtain participation other parties and felt confident he would continue these efforts sincerely realizing present setup unsatisfactory and provisional. Also said that he, the King, would likewise bend every possible effort obtain broadened government soonest.
Earlier in evening Tsaldaris himself had telephoned me of his decision present purely Populist Cabinet immediately to King and I had endeavored persuade him first make further efforts form coalition since Maximos had just informed me that accord might still be reached if Tsaldaris would collaborate with others on basis dropping Zervas, who willing stay out of government on account of “lack of confidence” [Page 321] in him (my telegram 1493, August 292). However, my remarks largely unheard by angry excited man insisting he had made all concessions demanded and had been treated intolerably by all sides. In confusion of flood of protestations this connection, he repeatedly offered me his “word of honor” that he would continue efforts to form broad coalition under Maximos immediately after government formed.