781.00/6–651: Telegram

The Ambassador in Greece ( Peurifoy ) to the Department of State
secret

4317. Shortly after despatch Embtel 4293, June 5,1 King called me to palace and he said he felt necessary consult polit leaders before agreeing to take Papagos back. I remarked pointedly that different procedure had been fol in accepting Marshal’s resignation. King asked my opinion of possibility Papagos resuming direction Army but not [Page 479] Navy or Air Force. I emphasized my conviction that there was absolutely no use in considering Papagos return if prior conditions were set up by either party and that only useful efforts were those devoted to restoring full confidence between King and Marshal. The King remarked that he did not believe Papagos return possible but that he wld talk to Venizelos on subject. …

Venizelos came to see me in evening to say that the King had decided he would not attempt to bring Papagos back because he wld thereby lose face. PriMin added that he believed the King was right. I disagreed, stating that it seemed to me that rather than losing prestige the King wld gain stature by showing himself willing and able to effect reconciliation with the Marshal. However, as this was the King’s and the govt’s decision, I felt it necessary to accept it as final. I told Venizelos this resolution of matter was most discouraging. I did not intend any threat but I wished him and the King to know that they cld not expect me to continue sympathetic to their personal problems as in past. I wld feel it most necessary to keep the strictest watch on all local developments in-order to insure that Grk-Amer cooperation cld continue to be possible.

Conclusion which I have reached and on basis which I issued press statement this morning is fol. Marshal regrets his hasty resignation and wld probably be willing to return if requested by King with assurance his continued confidence and if restored to full powers. King, however, whose mind has been thoroughly poisoned against Marshal by his entourage, including Queen, continues to regard resignation as unfriendly act, to state Marshal has lost his confidence and to refuse to contemplate his recall except under unacceptable conditions. Venizelos believes it useless to contest this attitude and is making no further efforts.

It wld probably be possible to obtain restoration of Marshal by ultimatum to palace but in total absence atmosphere of confidence friction wld immed recur and new crisis probably arise. I have, therefore, thought it best to drop matter for the present rather than prolonging ferment in public opinion.

It is barely possible confidence between King and Marshal may be gradually restored over period of time and without being sanguine we shall work to this end. …

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Peurifoy
  1. Supra.