868.01/385: Telegram
The Ambassador to the Greek Government in Exile (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 8—1:40 p.m.]
Greek Series 58. Department’s instruction number 26, Greek Series September 6, 6 p.m. was complied with today.
Prime Minister states that as in case of Churchill’s messages (see my Greek Series number 52, August 31, 9 a.m.) the President’s message will be presented to Greek Cabinet and will be communicated to Greek emissaries now in Cairo and that he has asked British Ambassador to obtain Churchill’s permission to give publicity to his messages. Tsouderos asked me to request same permission as regards the President’s message.
I submit, as an entirely personal observation, that, whereas it is understandable that Greek Government should wish to avail itself of value of the President’s and Churchill’s messages in so far as the effect [Page 152] they would have on population within Greece and Greek Armed Forces outside the country is concerned in view of way in which present emergency has arisen, the wisdom of giving publicity to the messages through publication in the press might well be questioned. I assume, however, that if permission is given to give publicity to the President’s message, decision as to the nature and extent of publicity will rest with Greek Government.