868.00/3–2046: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece ( Rankin )
us urgent
352. If you and Ambassador Grady perceive no objection, it is suggested that you convey to PriMin my statement to the press of Mar 19. In doing so you may point out orally that although this Govt takes view that timing of Greek elections is a matter for decision by Greek Govt alone, it nevertheless hopes that Greek Govt will not find it necessary again to postpone the elections and that they will be held on Mar 31 as planned (Embs 370 Mar 20).
You may inform PriMin that this Govt is of opinion that any postponement would have a deteriorating influence upon the Greek economy, which as Greek Govt knows is already in an alarming state, and would seriously retard the vital work of rehabilitation in Greece, in which this Govt is deeply interested. You may add that this Govt believes that it is extremely important to the future of Greece and to the welfare of Greek people as a whole that in so far as is possible the entire Greek electorate participate in the elections. It would be unfortunate if upon the first occasion after 10 years that the citizens of Greece are given an opportunity freely to choose their own Govt at the polls, the outcome of the elections should be prejudiced by abstention from voting by parties or groups.
You may say that in our view it is inevitable that after the democratic system has been so long set aside the first elections should be fraught with difficulties. However, Allied observation missions are on hand ready to fulfill function which Greek Govt has invited them to perform and the full public reports which they will render after elections will resolve in one way or the other doubts now being so freely expressed.
Greek people by patriotically going to the polls on Mar 31 and casting their votes for the parties of their choice will justify faith of American people in imperishability of Greek democratic tradition.
Report action taken.
Foregoing supersedes Depts 252 Mar 2.
Sent Athens. Repeated London and Paris.