868.00/5–446: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Rankin)
571. After consultation with Secretary in Paris Bevin has informed Brit Emb here96 that he favors a “relatively early” plebiscite in Greece provided (1) satisfactory revision of electoral rolls is made and (2) Greek Govt agrees to carry out financial and economic agreement signed in London Jan 1946. Brit wish to accept Greek Govts invitation to extend assistance in connection with revision of voting registers and hope for participation of US and French Govts. Urgency of obtaining some decision on this matter dictated by Greek Govts desire to make definite announcement concerning plebiscite when Parliament meets May 13.
Dept is in principle favorable to participation with Brit and French in assisting in connection with registration revision and plebiscite procedure as (1) effective guarantee against large-scale falsifications, (2) possibility of refuting charges such falsifications by Greek opposition and world opinion and (3) moral effect on Greek people of continuing, through critical period of decision on constitutional questions, kind of assistance recently tendered for elections.
Such projected mission would be on much smaller scale than Amfoge. Dept is consulting members Amfoge technical staff for opinion on numbers of personnel and length of time required. Possibility also being explored that unexpended Amfoge funds could be used for this purpose and that this additional mission would not require new authorization but could be included in Amforge terms of reference.
Please inform Dept urgently your views as to (1) desirability US participation in such project, (2) size of personnel required, (3) length of time needed for satisfactory revision of voting lists, (4) latest possible date in autumn 1946 on which plebiscite could be held without danger of unfavorable weather conditions.97
Sent to Athens as 571. Repeated to London and Paris for Secdel.
- A paraphrase of the telegram of May 1 from the British Foreign Office to the British Ambassador in Greece was transmitted informally to the Department by the British Embassy on May 3.↩
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In telegram Secdel 203 (No. 2111 to Paris), May 4, 1946, 6 p.m., Mr. Acheson requested Mr. Byrnes’ views on telegram 571 to Athens before discussing the matter with the White House (868.00/5–446).
Mr. Byrnes, in telegram Delsec 466 (No. 2180 from Paris), May 6, 1946, midnight, replied: “I think that if we are formally invited by the Greek Govt, we should participate with the British and French in assisting in recompiling the electoral registers. Subject to change in the light of info which may be forthcoming, my view is that Sept 15 is latest possible date this year for plebiscite.” (740.00119 Council/5–646)
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