868.00/5–1146: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Rankin)
620. Urtel 637, May 11.9 You may inform Greek FonOff that in response to Greek request US is prepared to send observers to Greece to collaborate with Brit and French representatives in connection with recompilation of electoral lists in preparation for plebiscite. Dept prefers postponing formal written acceptance until certain points are clarified by further discussion with Brit, French and Greek Govts.
[Page 163]Although US has informed Brit that autumn 1946 will be “satisfactory date” for plebiscite, Dept still feels Greek Govt would have done well to put solution of pressing economic problems above political considerations involved in monarchy question. Dept feels announced date of Sept 1 should not be thought irrevocably fixed if observers agree on spot that some postponement would be advisable in order to complete recompilation of lists.
Dept also believes Greek Govt should give assurances that it will immediately correct any irregularities brought to its attention by observers during preparation period and that some form public statement should be made on clear majority necessary for return of King. In order to obviate any doubts concerning results, Dept believes Bevin’s suggestion of 60 percent should be considered.
US sampling experts already consulted informally considered total US mission of 30 to 40 could in conjunction with Brit and French groups complete job of observing recompilation of lists in about 12 weeks and could at same time take fairly satisfactory sample census. Both Greek Govt and UNRRA might find census helpful. It would serve as check on total electorate and would also meet to some extent recommendation in Amfoge report.
Possibility that projected mission might assist in observation of actual voting in plebiscite if requested by Greek Govt needs to be explored in consultation with participating groups and competent experts. (Urtel 619, May 8).
Foregoing questions discussed here with Brit Emb, which is forwarding them to Brit FonOff. Your comments and suggestions requested.
[Here follows discussion of an administrative matter.]
Sent to Athens; repeated to London, Paris, Moscow.
- Not printed; it advised that the official request by the Greek Government for Allied observers was embodied in a Foreign Office note of May 10 (868.00/5–1146).↩