781.00/6–151: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Yost) to the Department of State
4232. Amb Peurifoy’s expedited return1 will have excellent effect. It is reported in morning press and clearly connected with Papagos’ resignation. We have informed Venizelos and he will see Amb immed upon arrival.
Situation continues calm though there was certain amount of ferment among armed forces throughout country yesterday. We anticipate no further manifestations of any importance if govt and gen staff continue to handle situation carefully. Confirmation positions Grigoropoulos, Tsakalotos and Kitrilakis, all Papagos’ men, resulting from their new designations has had definitely reassuring effect on armed forces. Gen public of course is deeply distressed and uneasy at loss of Marshal and particularly at fact, now openly discussed in all press, that it resulted from friction with King.
PriMin informs us manifestation yesterday was engineered by two brigadiers and two colonels who are now confined to quarters but not arrest. They belong to secret organization within armed forces [Page 476] called Idea, with which Dept is familiar, which according to Venizelos, has 1500–2000 officers in key positions. He says gradual removal most important these officers from key positions being considered. Also, although Marshal opposed sanctions against those involved in yesterday’s manifestation, King feels some action against men who had been false to their oath must be taken. I told PriMin I considered it of utmost importance no sanctions or purges be conducted in armed forces without agreement of Marshal as consequences might be most serious. I believe Amb will wish to emphasize same point to King.
Decree issued last night amends decree establishing position of C-in-C to permit King to assume functions, though relieving him of many of its lesser responsibilities. PriMin continues to assure us King will fill position only briefly, though adding King seems to like job. As previously reported, we consider this arrangement open to abuse and believe it shld be terminated quickly.
Another announcement today states King has abolished his civil bureau and created in its place Secretariat General. This presumably means elimination Metaxas. Papagos had two comments to make. First reported to us through Markezinis was that this proved there was plot against him since if action taken 3 days ago he need not have resigned. (This is hardly fair since King presumably felt he cld take action freely which he wld not take under “ultimatum.”) Second comment was that Metaxas wld probably be taken back as private Secty in any case. Marshal also exercised that Potamianos might be named SecGen. Venizelos informed us no decision yet on occupant this position.
Papagos, having learned of Ambs return, sent Canellopoulos to inform us his decision continued to be irrevocable. He repeated assurances he will not enter politics. Canellopoulos nevertheless believes it not impossible restoration Marshal might be arranged. I agree and consider that in any case every effort shld be made. Venizelos has idea, which he has discussed with King who agrees, that, if Greece admitted to NAT, important place might be found for Marshal in command structure which wld involve his return to control of Grk armed forces.
- Telegram 4637 to Athens, May 31 reported that Peurifoy was arriving in Rome from Washington at 6:30 p. m., June 1, and instructed that an AMAG aircraft meet him there for his immediate return to Athens. It added that Peurifoy had expressed his desire to speak to Venizelos immediately upon his return. (123 Peurifoy)↩