868.00/3–147: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
299. [Here follow two paragraphs dealing primarily with the Greek Prime Minister’s address of February 26 before Parliament reviewing the Government’s policies of economic retrenchment to meet the financial crisis and of firmness and conciliation to restore public order; and with the reply by the leader of the opposition Liberal Party.]
In surprise move morning February 27 designed embarrass Government and curry public favor, opposition deposited draft resolution calling union of Cyprus with Greece “imperious and unanimous demand of entire Hellenic nation”, expressing confidence that “Britain, great and staunch, friend of Greece, will give full satisfaction this demand,” and calling for communication of resolution to British Government and Parliament. During day Minister Foreign Affairs conferred on matter with British Ambassador, who agreed Government forced to take some action but advised any measure adopted be “as mild as possible” and not commit Greek Government to take matter up officially with British. Pointed out possible unfavorable reaction in UK at time when British “scraping barrel” to help Greece economically. (Told me privately later that “no one in England interested” and Bevin strongly opposed to ceding Cyprus.) Accordingly, Tsaldaris introduced substitute resolution stating issue in softer terms and confiding solution to “friendly negotiations” between Greek and UK Governments which adopted by acclamation.