868.00/4–1046: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 10—2:50 p.m.]
485. Prime Minister, British Ambassador and I called on Regent in succession yesterday in effort dissuade him from making his resignation effective immediately. He insisted on interpreting King’s telegram as dismissal since it accepted resignation “in principle” and only asked him remain in office until Govt “completed”. Regent considers Govt already completed but I pointed out to him that it lacks sanction of Parliament. I informed him of US Govt’s position as stated in paragraph b of Deptel 438, April 5, mentioning also that while most anxious not interfere Greek affairs I felt our interest in and responsibility for Greek economic reconstruction and better international relations made it duty call his attention importance US attaches to continuity of leadership only he can provide. Regent seemingly determined on resignation but on taking leave I urged that his reply to King, which he planned telegraph today, should not close the door.
Immediately afterwards I saw British Ambassador in hope he might suggest Foreign Office try induce King go step further in persuading Regent remain. Ambassador was pessimistic.
Last night I saw Sophocles Venizelos, Minister without Portfolio, and informed him of Dept’s views on Regency. He fully agreed and said he was hopeful further action today in inducing Regent change mind. He said he thought Papandreou, Cannellopoulos and himself would withdraw from Govt unless Regent stayed and he suggested I talk with Minister Foreign Affairs Tsaldaris. Latter assured me he wanted Regent remain and agreed with my interpretation of King’s [Page 134] message that latter would have made no mention of Archbishop “remaining” unless he meant just that.
Tsaldaris, however, indicated he was thinking in terms of early plebiscite and I conveyed Dept’s opinion earliest desirable date as spring 1947. He seemed greatly disappointed this position and expressed belief his Govt could not keep situation in hand during such long delay in view election promises. Tsaldaris mentioned June or July but I added economic situation alone could hardly justify plebiscite until harvest completed at very earliest. I also expressed personal opinion that holding Greek plebiscite during peace conference70 unlikely contribute to improved international relations.
- Held at Paris from July 29 to October 15, 1946.↩