868.00/9–145: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh)
898. If at all possible please discuss most confidentially with Regent before his departure for London possibility of modification through Greek initiative of plebiscite and election formula outlined in Varkiza Agreement. For some time Dept has been inclined to feel that perhaps better method of assuring Greek political stability in future would be for elections to precede plebiscite in order that there might be installed as soon as possible representative govt which could in turn prepare questions for submission to Greek people in plebiscite (paragraph 7 Depts aide-mémoire under cover instruction 295 (Jul 6).3 Another possibility is that elections might be held for constitutional assembly empowered to work out solution of regime question.
Depts only wish in this instance is to encourage Greeks to reach solution offering them best possible early tranquillization unsettled conditions obtaining since liberation. We do not mean to dictate or offer gratuitous advice to Greek Govt but realize this subject under active discussion by Greek press and political figures and confidential [Page 151] friendly talk with Regent might offer him encouragement to crystallize Greek thinking into some formula acceptable to most political factions.
Suggestion in US aide-mémoire referred to above did not meet Brit approval at that time as Brit FonOff was anxious not to tamper with Varkiza Agreement and felt any change in it should be completely in hands of Greeks. Since then however Brit have indicated their desire US concert with them in confidential discussions with Regent. Brit idea that talks be postponed until Regent’s London visit. Dept however could not agree to such postponement as it is felt necessary for administrative and budgetary reasons to begin almost immediately to make plans for US personnel. Any long interval between elections and plebiscite would complicate arrangements as it would involve either keeping US personnel in Greece for idle period or sending a second commission if feasible. This problem might of course be avoided if elections held first and solidly based constitutional govt established capable of itself handling question of regime effectively and convincingly, either through plebiscite or revision of constitution. Depts original request to War for personnel mentioned duty of month to 6 weeks in Greece during autumn 1945. Recent War information is that personnel available if requirement arises before Dec 1st.
Would appreciate complete report on Regent’s ideas and your own recommendations.
Sent Athens, repeated to London.4