868.00/4–1846: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 19—1:11 p.m.]
531. Embtel 485, April 10. In private conversation last night MinFonOff Tsaldaris repeated to me fears of extremists his party and minor Royalist groups forcing immediate plebiscite. Believe he must have definite program to present new Parliament April 29, and mentioned September 8 as possible date for plebiscite. He asked me repeatedly, “What shall I tell them?”
Tsaldaris professed surprise at action Papandreou, Cannellopoulis and Venizelos in withdrawing (Embtel 523, April 1780) while conversations proceeding normally, adding they were to see him again this noon for further discussions. I asked if he thought other reasons influenced their action besides those announced and Tsaldaris replied he believed they wanted portfolio of Foreign Affairs. This, he said, was unacceptable, since it must be held by member majority party in view impending Peace Conference. Secretary’s remarks at press conference April 16 quoted in all papers, each stressing phrases best suited its politics. However, his statement re “undue haste” in holding plebiscite appears have had sobering effect on Right.
Discussed foregoing with British Ambassador. He inclines toward view that plebiscite cannot be postponed beyond September and believes Bevin coming around to same opinion. As situation appears today I feel that date in September constitutes best compromise in sight. (Embtel 485). What Tsaldaris seems to want is indication from US and Britain that we would not object if he should announce plebiscite for September 8 or similar date as part of his program. Department’s instructions requested.
Sent to Department as 531; repeated London as 32.
- Not printed; it reported that the three Greek political leaders had refused to participate in the new government (868.00/4–1846).↩