Office of the Historian

740.00119 Council/9–1945: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Acting Secretary of State

[London,] September 19, 1945.

9644. Delsec 33.19 For McDermott from Walter Brown.20 The following statement is to be released simultaneously in London, Paris and Washington at 10 p.m. today, September 19, London time, 5 p.m., Washington time.21 You can make it available upon receipt subject, of course, to holding for release stipulation.

Begin text.

Statement by the United Kingdom, United States and French Governments22

During his visit to London the Regent of Greece had consultations on all the subjects which concern Greece with the representatives of the United Kingdom, United States, and French Governments, the three Governments which have agreed to send observers to Greece for the elections which are to be held there.

The three Governments hold the firm opinion that elections for a re visionary assembly should be held as soon as possible. They hope that it will be possible to arrange the elections before the end of the year.

Thus a government would be formed which would be based on the wishes of people and Parliament. The formation of such a government would facilitate the restoration of conditions of stable tranquillity in Greece. Only when these conditions are in due course firmly established will it become possible to hold a free and genuine plebiscite to decide on the future regime in Greece.

The three Governments in full agreement hope and recommend that all parties in Greece with the interests of their country before them will collaborate sincerely and willingly in the execution of this programme which in their judgment represents the best hope of orderly and democratic development. End Text.

  • [Walter Brown]
  • Winant
  1. Numbered telegram in the series sent by the Secretary of State from London.↩
  2. Messrs. McDermott and Brown were Special Assistants to the Secretary of State, the former functioning as the Department’s Press Relations Officer.↩
  3. This schedule was not adhered to; due to developments in London, Mr. Brown cabled in telegram 9656, September 19, 1945, “… suggest you release immediately.” (868.00/9–1945)↩
  4. Incorporated in Department of State Press Release No. 691, September 19, 1945, Department of State Bulletin, September 23, 1945, p. 429.↩