868.00/9–2945
The British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Bevin) to the Secretary of State
Mr. J. Byrnes: I have received a letter from the King of the Hellenes about the joint statement on Greece issued by the British, United States and French Governments on 19th September.
In this letter the King expresses his regret that he was not consulted about the statement before it was issued and draws attention to the difficulties and dangers which, in his view, are involved in the procedure set out in the statement. At the same time he gives an assurance (hat he does not wish to place any obstacles in the way of the Allied Powers and does not therefore propose to create any difficulties for them in the execution of this policy. Referring to his own position, the King says that he considers it imperative that the opinion of the Greek people on the constitutional issue should be ascertained as soon as possible.
I understand that His Majesty has addressed a similar letter to you arid Monsieur Bidault and I should be most grateful if you felt able to inform me of the line you are taking in reply. For my part, I [Page 166] propose to say that I have taken note of the views expressed by the King about the course of action recommended in the joint statement and that I am grateful for his assurance that he does not propose to create any difficulties in the way of the execution of the policy decided upon by the three Governments. I am assuring the King that this decision has only been taken after a careful study of the information available to us about the situation in Greece and that although I do not underestimate the difficulties which have still to be overcome, I am sure that if this programme is loyally executed it will offer the best prospects of establishing a stable and democratic government in Greece and of enabling the Greek people to repair the ravages of war and to decide for themselves on the future regime of their country in conditions of normal tranquillity.
I am sending a similar letter to Monsieur Bidault.
Yours sincerely,