868.00/6–1846: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
immediate
[Received 1:48 p.m.]
790. Mytel 764, June 11;21 Deptel 730, June 14 [13]. British Ambassador transmitted message to Prime Minister this morning from Bevin that he would be “glad” to see Tsaldaris in Paris and in London. I conveyed substance of Deptel verbally to Prime Minister who informed me he wishes discuss primarily economic questions which will [Page 171] arise from withdrawal UNRRA December 31 and is considering taking Finance Minister Helmis with him to Paris, London, Washington for trip totaling perhaps 3 weeks beginning about June 26. Prime Minister also told me he intends consult French Ambassador today and Soviet Ambassador later if trip decided upon. He plans simply inform Soviet Ambassador of trip and expresses hope he will be able see Molotov22 whom Dragoumis so far unable approach.
While urgency economic questions probably basic and adequate reason for purposed trip Prime Minister evidently anxious convince US and British Govts by personal contact that members his Govt do not have horns and tails and that his guiding principle in foreign affairs is maintenance intimate friendly relations with western Allies. I believe him to be entirely sincere in this; also that he and his Govt would benefit greatly from his meeting the Secretary and Dept officials and getting their viewpoint on Greek and international questions at first hand. British Ambassador favors London trip for same reasons believing Tsaldaris proposal worthy hospitable response.
Prime Minister indicated he would not decide on Washington visit without further clarification Dept’s attitude in light first paragraph above.
Request urgent reply.
Sent Dept as 790, repeated Paris as 47.