781.00/7–651: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
secret

4812. Embtel 4317.2 We share Emb’s disappointment at failure Grks evolve satis solution Papagos affair, although do not pretend fully understand internal implications this matter. Dept will watch for intimation Papagos proposes move into polit arena with earnest hope he will not do so.

We have noted (Embtel 4234)3 Venizelos Seriously considering possibility avoiding elections. Await your own view re desirability conducting elections near future in light recent developments. Our initial reaction is that in light polit ferment resulting from Papagos affair it becomes all more desirable clarify sitn through new elections. View with apprehension prospects new coalition from present Parl, possibly including LEK or Populists, which wld provide very little promise for further constructive effort by Grk Govt in its basic tasks of rehabilitating Grk economy and society, and improving Grk security measures.

Dept fears as result our conspicuous, unsuccessful effort influence outcome Papagos affair, US ability constructively direct course polit events may be diminished. Grk leaders have undoubtedly noted that US committed substantial portion its influence to proposition restoring Papagos. Measure our effort may be rather accurately gauged through press. In course this operation (objective of which US considered valid) we may have created resentments which will not immed disappear. Your dramatic return Greece and your efforts which followed (both which Dept approved) may have hardened parties in their positions thereby reducing possibility of solution satis to US. In light these facts we shld consider course we shld adopt to recoup our position.

It seems us in light real contribution which monarchy shld make as symbol natl unity and apparent inability Palace exercise this role in most effective manner, it becomes increasingly important fully develop relationship between Emb and Palace which wld enhance our faculty constructively influence Palace, and through it, Grk affairs in gen. We feel as result our strenuous effort in Papagos affair and unambiguous manner in which our position stated that wounds may have been inflicted on most vulnerable area of royal anatomy—its pride.

Dept concurs, as you suggested Embtel 4317, that US shld attempt frustrate any efforts by Palace to purge Grk Armed Forces and discourage renewal polit intervention in Grk Armed Forces from any [Page 481] quarter. This will be delicate task demanding not only US vigilance, but cautious, unobtrusive action when necessary. Your appraisal post Papagos sitn requested.4

Acheson
  1. Drafted by Anschuetz, cleared by Rountree.
  2. Supra.
  3. Not printed.
  4. See telegram 4396 from Athens, June 11, infra.