781.00/8–2851: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
1177. Embtel 981 Aug 28.2 Re ur conv Aug 27 with Papagos in which he stated that if elected he will court martial or retire Gen Tsakalotos at once. Dept Army, including Asst Chief of Staff, G–3, Gen Jenkins, believes that unless Grk mil and civilian opinion universally agree Tsakalotos’ actions deserve drastic punishment, precipitate [Page 506] severe action will have serious effects on efficiency and morale Grk Armed Forces and cld even result in internal strife.
Dept recognizes in event Papagos heads new govt series delicate polit problems will arise in which Emb undoubtedly hopes be able exercise moderating influence. In this connection Dept concurs in Army apprehensions set forth above and suggests that, if elected, Papagos be urged, in interest Grk mil forces, to heal breach with Tsakalotos or if that not possible to move slowly against Tsakalotos after achieving backing of mil and public opinion.