868.00/9–2545: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 26—2:25 p.m.]
1078. In conversation with British colleague reported in my telegram 1077, September 25 latter said feels Regent has lately lost full touch with conditions here and has also developed personal tendency autocracy while allowing growing fear of communism to blind him to rightist influences in supposedly service govt. Will attempt apply correction. Speculated on possibility replacing Voulgaris with Tsouderos27 or Varvaressos28 but said rather inclined to avoid another [Page 163] change of govt before elections and merely to urge on Regent necessity of liberalizing Cabinet by replacing Minister Interior and Minister Press and perhaps adding some well-known liberal as Vice President Council. Emphasized he personally now hard-pressed by Mr. Bevin to secure further substantial release of prisoners under amnesty on account Leftist questions certain be asked soon in Parliament and said will urge my Govt to see to it that at least all persons still incarcerated merely for their political differences or beliefs be now set free. Finally spoke of date of elections and expressed hope I would say something to Prime Minister not only about holding these before end of year but about advisability announcing date soonest in order enable observing powers proceed arrangements. This connection said Prime Minister has already told him such announcement may be possible within 2 weeks, but urged matter not be lost sight of. Feels as I do that as soon as date fixed heads of commission together with their immediate staffs should come at once Greece to acquaint themselves with conditions and also solve practical problems billeting, transportation, etc. Incidentally remarked finds much easier discuss matters Regent as conversations with Prime Minister always formal and officially transcribed. Obviously feels increased impatience with local Rightist manoeuvers since making contact with new Labor Govt London.
Following above conversation I called on Prime Minister at his request to talk informally general situation. He explained his personal position some length, saying willing to serve till after elections as long as principal parties unable get together form another interim govt. Emphasized his “democratic” sentiments and expressed acquiescence in allied recommendation for elections first despite personal preference priority plebiscite. I took this occasion mention date elections and urged this be set soonest because present availability our observers not likely continue. Also because of desirability disarming criticism that Greece lacks democratic govt. He replied that he is “99% sure” that elections can be held by December 15. Discussion then turned supervision elections, and as this Embassy in possession positive proof election booklets (certifying registration and entitling persons vote) now being widely duplicated Athens, advised Prime Minister “my belief” United States Govt especially interested in seeing that coming tests are “democratic elections democratically carried out”, while also “my impression” that one of first things observers likely desire determine is whether duplicate voting possible. We then reminisced concerning plebiscite 1935 in which he laughingly said “1,000 men produced 100,000 votes” and he assured me this question very much on his mind and law will shortly be promulgated making penal offense possess more than one booklet. (However believe our observers will be well-advised insist some such [Page 164] sure system as stamping voters hand with indelible ink after balloting.) In conclusion Prime Minister referred Greece’s foreign affairs. Said cannot support follies of Greek press which would appear want Allies go war Russia for sake Greece but does feel latter’s just claims may be in process neglect among many present difficulties United Nations. I assured him United States great friend Greece not losing sight just dues but pointed out that events here since liberation have contributed no small share to international anxieties and advised best thing for Greece now would be set house in order and by prompt elections make clear true position as member of democratic world.