868.00/10–1747: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the American Mission for Aid to Greece
Gama 340. For Griswold. Dept considers recent Dana Schmidt article in NY Times entitled “Griswold, Most Powerful Man in Greece” as most unfortunate misrepresentation of US role in Greece. [Page 371] Prime thesis of article is that AMAG exercises unlimited power in Greece; whereas in testimony before Congress, in UN debates, and in all other public statements, US officials have consistently affirmed our determination to respect Greek sovereignty and to avoid involvement in details of Greek internal politics.
Schmidt article, including verbatim statements attributed to Chief AMAG, quoted in extenso by Yugoslav delegate in UN debate on Oct 11 in support of allegations of US imperialism and responsibility for continued civil strife in Greece. Such articles raise doubts among otherwise friendly nations as to US intentions in Greece and tend to jeopardize support needed for UN action in Greek case.
Dept recommends that your public relations staff be instructed to do all in its power to correct impressions arising from Schmidt’s article and to prevent, insofar as possible, recurrence of similar misinterpretations.