868.00/4–246: Telegram
The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Kennan) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 2—12:50 p.m.]
1017. Soviet press April 2 prominently displays Tass despatches headed “‘Elections’ in Greece” according to which “elections” took place under conditions of excessive terror with entire police and national guard mobilized to ensure order. “Elections” were extensively boycotted. Over 30 percent of Athenian voters refrained from voting. In certain localities no more than 10 to 15 percent of voters participated. Boycotters run risk not only loss of livelihood but in certain cases of life at hands of Monarchists. Arrests occurred and police broke up mass demonstration of EAM adherents by opening fire on crowd resulting in one dead, several wounded and hundreds injured. It is not surprising that under these “elections” Monarchists will secure majority in Parliament.
Sent Department 1017, repeated Athens 18, London 176 and Frankfurt.