868.75/16: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Aldridge) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 3—10:20 p.m.]
45. Department’s 28, May 31, 2 p.m. Minister of Communications duly informed Saturday morning. This morning I called upon the Minister accompanied by Mr. Hilyer.35 The Minister categorically stated that the adjudication could not be postponed beyond June 5th claiming that it would be unfair to other companies whose representatives had remained in Athens; that Mr. Gill should have so remained; that Macris36 should have submitted modifications of May 23 to Mr. Gill by telegram, and giving other reasons of an unbusinesslike or inconsequential nature.
It is understood that the Government will resign on June 5th following election today of Admiral Coudouriotis as definitive President and that Mr. Christomanos will not remain as Minister of Communications.
In view of this fact, the unreasonable attitude of Mr. Christomanos, and the urgency of the matter, I am communicating directly with Mr. Venizelos and am taking the responsibility of expressing in tactful form the “apprehension” mentioned in Department’s 29, June 1, 1 p.m., in connection with radio debacle.
[Page 116][Paraphrase.] May I suggest instructions from the Department for me to communicate to the Prime Minister a personal expression of Mr. Skinner’s apprehension in regard to both radio and telephone matters? [End paraphrase.]
Will keep Department informed.