868.24/5–1446: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15—10:18 a.m.]
650. Mytel 646, May 13.6 Use of phrase “plebiscite for the return of His Majesty the King” in Regent’s throne speech has provoked sharp opposition protest, Papandreou, Venizelos, Cannellopoulos and Sophoulis all insisting people must vote on straight monarchy versus republic issue and not merely on whether King George is to return. Queried by journalists Tsaldaris advanced argument “all official acts” since Lebanon7 have envisaged only referendum “on King’s return” and pointed out present Assembly has only revisionary not fundamental constituent powers. Said “existing regime is Monarchy” and Populist Party’s mandate is “to bring back King quickly”. Added subject plebiscite not discussed with Allies.
Apart from dubious nature Tsaldaris argument, controversy would appear academic since it is hardly conceivable Monarchy could survive negative vote on question George’s return.8 Moreover such negative vote seems improbable. Real issue of plebiscite in minds most voters, carefully encouraged by Rightist propaganda, will be Nationalism versus Communism. Campaign opened in editorial Royalist Kathimerini May 12 which said “republic is the antechamber to Communist dictatorship”. Importance this issue plus natural trend board winning bandwagon might well result Royalist majority in honest plebiscite exceeding 60 percent suggested mytel 558, April 25.6
- Not printed.↩
- For documentation on the conference in Lebanon of Greek political parties in May 1944, see Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. v, pp. 106–112.↩
- In telegram 727, June 3, 1946, noon, Mr. Rankin reported the view of the Greek Prime Minister that a negative vote against the King would mean the end of the monarchy in Greece (868.00/6–346).↩
- Not printed.↩