868.00/10–845: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 9—4:45 p.m.]
1138. No developments in the Greek political situation since yesterday (my telegram 1133 October 7). However Papandreou called this afternoon and confirmed his present stand alongside Populists (my telegram 1124 October 5). Emphasized that he is Socialist but nevertheless willing collaborate over elections with any party putting National ahead purely partisan interests which characterized as of “secondary importance”. Said sees “Russia demanding Africa and finding Greece insupportable” and feels only possible answer voice of Greek people saying wants National and not Communist state. Severely scored threat Liberal Party abstain elections as “manoeuver” on part Sophoulis secure premiership but added “knows” liberal rank and file opposing this “anti-National” stand and believes Venizelos37 [Page 172] will head up opposition. Therefore thinks present interim government should by all means remain and if stands firm and goes ahead preparing elections Liberals will participate. Said view Government unable hold fair elections untenable and mere mask for Partisan fear Royalist victory if tests held soon. Claimed security and order in country now well established and registration effected with every effort fairness pointing out guarantees provided by presence British Police Mission and coming of foreign observers. Finally emphasized “Left Center” government no more likely than other governments to avoid Communist opposition despite present promises since KKE tactics are regularly to render any government unviable but one under own domination.
During conversation Papandreou expressed wish foreign Ambassadors’ influence keep Voulgaris in power to which I replied my instructions urge party leaders collaborate in interests formation stable government not intervene local affairs. However pointed out British colleague regularly engaged such intervention and advised him see Leeper soonest as latter might find view Liberals unsatisfied Sophoulis’ stand of some interest in connection advices being wired Bevin on eve Parliament session.
- Sophocles Venizelos, prominent Liberal Party member (a son of the statesman, and founder of the Liberal Party, Eleftherios Venizelos), who, briefly, had been Prime Minister in April 1944.↩