740.00119 Council/8–2046: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received August 20—5:03 p.m.]
4122. This is Delsec 834 from the Secretary. Tsaldaris called on me yesterday and again urged American and British observation of the forthcoming Greek plebiscite. After consultation with Bevin I have agreed that we should undertake together with the British informal observation of the Greek plebiscite. It is our thought that these observers should not in view of their limited numbers and the impossibility of full coverage of the polling places submit any formal report to the two governments. We feel, however, that their presence may serve as a deterrent to possible violence or fraud during or before the elections and that they would be able to convey to their two governments certain definite impressions as to the fairness of the plebiscite. [Page 193] The British and American Governments could upon receipt of these impressions be guided thereby in their estimate of the results and could if desired make public their views. In view of the probability that elements of EAM and other groups may challenge the validity of the results of the plebiscite I believe that this is a useful course.
I am told that there are some 46 prefectures in Greece and that it would be feasible to have say, one British and one American observer in each who would visit by car such polling places in their respective areas as might be practicable during the course of the election. The British have some 50 observers still in Greece and I understand we have 25. I hope the Department will make every effort to obtain an additional 25 Americans in order if possible to participate on an equal basis with the British. The Department should inform the Greek Government of the foregoing, stating that we have reversed our previous decision on the basis of a further appeal for limited participation above described.
Sent Dept as 4122; repeated to Athens as 42 and London as 625.