868.00/9–545: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—6:15 p.m.]
974. My telegram 963, September 3. British colleague and I had long talk last evening with Regent who acknowledged receipt my letter and gave his final views prior London visit as follows:
[Page 153]Regent said will propose in country’s best interests that plebiscite be postponed for considerable period and elections held soonest and that if this proposal found acceptable it be backed up by public recommendation from British and US Governments.
In elucidation Regent added
- (1)
- As regards postponing plebiscite unless and until country has had time to settle down under properly elected government no vote on monarchy question, which has been bane of Greece for 30 years, is likely to be considered final by Greek people. This specially true as country has recently been inflamed by rebellion and as long as any doubt remains whether Communists constitute numerical menace, many would vote for monarchy as insurance against Communism rather than from their own political convictions, to which however they would reveal [revert?] later thus continuing problem plebiscite designed to solve.
- (2)
- As regards elections these should be by majority vote and not on proportional basis. This latter apt give minorities undue representation (e.g. the Communist Party in last elections before war). Elections should also be for a so-called revisionary assembly rather than ordinary legislature or constituent assembly. Constituent assembly would in effect provide only a preview of plebiscite and be subject to similar objection. The advantage of a revisionary over a purely legislative assembly under Greek constitution is that it can be larger and thus give more insurance of including all important political figures, while it can modify minor constitutional provisions such as the manner of voting though not major ones like the right of every qualified citizen to vote or the form of regime.
- (3)
- As to desired public announcement by Allies, this would give no offense and would preserve Greek initiative if it were made as friendly recommendation to Greek people on basis full exposition Greek situation by Greek Regent. Moreover latter feels it absolutely necessary in order safeguard his position for whatever time he remains Regent by making clear that decision not personal or taken in interests any party.
- (4)
- As regards his personal position, this would appear benefited by postponement of plebiscite only if he should continue serve as Regent, and he clearly indicated that if proposed solution obtained would wish retire, Regency being taken over by another individual or by a regency council.
In conclusion Regent said has reason believe after consulting party leaders that royalists likely accommodate themselves proposed solution despite present desire early plebiscite especially if Kerned [sic] recommendation included, but in this event specially urged that British and US Governments instruct diplomatic representatives Athens use their influence thereafter to keep party leaders cooperative. Said [Page 154] believes elections can be used end December or early January (which would seem necessitate observers being made available at least from December 1st in view practical problems, your telegram 898, September 1), but emphasized presence observers of less importance than major party cooperation, since without latter widespread individual abstentions or official boycotts might result in voiding validity of tests in Greek eyes.
Regent’s proposal for considerable postponement plebiscites, while certainly agreeing largely with demands republican party to which he has in past belonged, would appear independently based on broad general view. In addition, “republicans” in Greece constitute country’s one large middle of the road and “democratic” faction in our sense. Finally in my opinion Regent’s political wisdom, tolerant vision and sagacity and his devotion to interests of Greek people at large regardless of party are unapproached by any other public man in Greece today. I therefore believe his judgement in this difficult matter involving country’s future should receive utmost consideration. Caccia agrees and is advising British Government substantially as above. He has been assigned Foreign Office and will accompany Regent London.
Sent Department as 974, repeated London as 94.