868.51/12–2245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 24—8:45 p.m.]
1471. Mytel 1467, December 20. Tsouderos (Vice Pres Council) and Kartalis (Minister Supply) called on British Ambassador last night with urgent advices Govt finding almost impossible continue with gold pound still rising rapidly, foodstuffs going into hiding, civil servants striking and this movement threatening extend all branches labor. Both urged most strongly advisability immediate announcement they visiting London in connection plans submitted by Grove and Board. Leeper convinced such announcement would help situation psychologically by bolstering prestige Govt and therefore telegraphed this morning requesting promptest issuance invitation. Also wiring today stating his [our?] joint opinion that if Mr. Byrnes could briefly stop over London on return US to take cognizance British-Greek discussions and enable announcement US Secretary of [Page 297] State also present that capital while these in progress this certain have great additional bolstering effect.
Words “take cognizance” my suggestion. Leeper wanted say “take part in discussions”. He most anxious leave no stone unturned keep Govt in power till elections and coming few weeks till economic financial plans can be drawn up and put into operation offer critical problem this connection. Should present Left-Center Govt fall Dept will realize that under existing conditions in Britain, any succeeding Greek Govt would almost certainly be still further Left and in such eventuality violent reaction from strong Rightist elements in armed forces is by no means unlikely.
Sent Dept as 1471, repeated London as 127 and to Moscow.