781.00/5–1251: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
secret

4367. Re Embtels 3766 and 3884.2 Dept approves views expressed by you to Grk leaders concerning polit situation.

We believe we shld continue advocate adoption majority system. We perceive no justification new elections unless system employed subsequently provides basis for more stable govt. In event spectre Papagos responsible any real degree for current reluctance accept majority system, Palace might be willing suggest to Papagos that he issue statement disclaiming any intention participate forthcoming elections. We have noted lip service which Populists pay to majority system. To what extent does Emb consider this reflects actual Populist views?

If, however, opposition majority system cannot be overcome at this time without creating serious resentment, any proportional system which wld sharply reduce number parties wld represent improvement. System in which second distribution seats limited to three parties receiving largest popular vote wld seem present one effective method reducing fractionalism in Grk parties (Embtel 3884).

We believe Emb shld continue encourage Liberal–EPEK merger. We recognize nevertheless, initiative must come principally from Grks themselves and that Emb cannot place itself in position where it must accept responsibility for consequences such development. Palace cld exercise wholesome influence this situation and we approve your intention point out to King that premiership for Plastiras might well be price worth paying for merger Liberal and EPEK parties. Under circumstances contemplated (Venizelos as party pres and vice premier), we consider Plastiras wld be adequately insulated from undesirable influences.

Any merger which occurs after elections wld seem be little more than coalition, and therefore wld represent only slight progress toward internal polit stability. We are concerned that if nothing accomplished toward reconstitution of Liberal Party in light various favorable factors existing at this time, long period may elapse before conditions will again present opportunity consolidate polit parties in Greece. Liberal-EPEK merger wld probably make possible adoption majority system which, in turn, wld force polarization all other polit parties into traditional Liberal–Populist pattern.

We are pleased learn Parliament will reconvene in June discharge its obligations connection approval of budget. …

Peurifoy concurs.3

Acheson
  1. Drafted by Anschuetz, cleared by Rountree.
  2. Telegram 3884, supra; telegram 3766 is summarized in footnote 3, p. 472.
  3. Peurifoy was in Washington for consultations with Department of State officials.