868.00/11–448: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1584. In light of threatened fall coalition govt1 Dept requests your views possible formation new govt which would command greater popular and international confidence and be able function more effectively. Dept recognizes that reconstitution coalition similar to present, but preferably with new and more effective leadership if available, may be best that can be expected. Dept suggests however desirability consider all other possibilities and extent to which US should and could properly and effectively influence formation govt on different basis. For example do you see any possibility or merit in formation service govt for period emergency with Primin not identified with either major party but with backing both parties or some other coalition that could provide working parliamentary majority? Alternatively, is it possible either Populists or Liberals could, possibly by coalition including splinter parties, form cabinet without the other having parliamentary majority, and would this be desirable meet present [Page 180] situation? Would appreciate your analysis whole political picture without confinement to foregoing suggestions.
- Athens, on November 3, had advised of information from the Greek Prime Minister that he would tender his resignation on November 5 (telegram 2218, 868.002/11–348).↩