868.00/6–1846: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Rankin)
786. Urtel 790 Jun 18 rptd Paris 47. Dept hopes that you will find it possible, without giving appearance of inhospitality on part of US Govt, to discourage any plans for visit of Greek PriMin Tsaldaris and FinanMin Helmis to US at this time. You may in your discretion indicate Dept’s feeling that a visit during summer will be ill-advised. Many ranking officials will not be in Washington. Furthermore Congress will either be adjourned or making hurried preparations for summer recess because of Congressmen’s preoccupation with coming election campaign.
We would be glad later to receive visit from head of Greek Govt. Such a visit should be made however after plebiscite has been held and the character and policies of the future Greek Govt have been more clearly outlined as well as more definite plans made by Greek Govt with regard to economic reconstruction. Greek Govt has itself put [Page 172] much stress on fact that it could not make much headway toward permanent solution of urgent problems until plebiscite is held. At later date US will also have more definite information on economic questions, as plans for post-UNRRA period are now under discussion but not yet fully formulated or approved.
Dept believes Tsaldaris might realize most of his objectives by talks with Secy and/or Counselor who are likely to be in Paris at time of his visit. In this connection Dept is telegraphing Secy to inquire as to his willingness to see Tsaldaris in Paris.23
Sent Athens. Rptd to London and to Paris for Secretary.
- In telegram Secdel 325 (No. 3019 to Paris), June 22, 1946, 2 p.m., not printed. In telegram Delsec 613 (No. 3067 from Paris), June 24, noon, Mr. Byrnes notified the Department that he would be glad to see the Greek Prime Minister at Paris and that the latter’s proposed visit to the United States should not be encouraged (740.00119 Council/6–2446).↩