868.00/10–1645: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 16—3:37 p.m.]
1169. Mytel 1167, October 15.40 Regent’s latest move abortive attempt persuade Dimitracopoulos, Minister Communication under Voulgaris, form service govt. Is continuing talks political personalities and expected again appeal all leaders collaborate.
British colleague told me last night has wired London Greek crisis reached impasse and disturbances possible if continues another 48 hours. Has also asked release from present new policy nonintervention which has been strictly following [followed] past few days (Deptel 65, October 1141) and during our conversation special messenger arrived from Regent begging him consult further. Leeper feels Left Center political govt still best solution long run, but only possible form such govt now if Regent clearly assured of British backing against continuing Royalist intransigence and possible violence. Meanwhile economic situation further deteriorating. Employees five biggest banks Athens striking today with likelihood spreading civil servants.
- Not printed (868.00/10–1545). This was one of several telegrams in which the Ambassador in Greece reported in detail the efforts of the Regent to end the political impasse, and the reaction of the political parties and leaders thereto, during the first week of the governmental crisis.↩
- Same as telegram 10627, supra.↩