868.00/2–2748: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece 1
271. Embtels 361, 362 and 363 of Feb 28 [27] and 29 [28]2 re possible Grk Govt changes and Sophoulis succession considered at joint NEA–U/GT conference Mar 1 prior Clay’s departure and US attitude as outlined therein approved. Among suggestions discussed for [Page 58] strengthening executive functions Grk Govt was proposal for appointment new high ranking Cabinet member with executive authority to assure effective administration and coordination of policies formulated by Party Chiefs Sophoulis and Tsaldaris.
Gratifying indications in reftels of increasing Liberal–Populist cooperation regarded as encouraging hope that two Party leaders might be led to understand importance of avoiding crisis and of limiting Cabinet changes to those mutually deemed desirable to ensure continued and more efficient working of coalition and more effective collaboration with AMAG.
Full memo3 on conference being airmailed. Before you initiate any action, would appreciate your comments on feasibility proposals mentioned therein and usefulness of further concerted approach to Sophoulis and Tsaldaris along lines suggested.
- Sent jointly to the American Mission for Aid to Greece as Gama 333.↩
- None printed.↩
- Memorandum by Leonard J. Cromie of the Division of Greek, Turkish and Iranian Affairs, not printed. Mr. McGhee sent a copy of the memorandum to Governor Griswold on March 5. His transmitting letter stated, in part: “We feel it is particularly important that any necessary changes in the Government should be effected by the Greeks themselves by mutual agreement between the two Coalition leaders and without direct American pressure. It is also most desirable that any initiative in bringing the two leaders together should remain in your own and Mr. Rankin’s hands and that it should not ‘leak’ and be misinterpreted as another instance of American intervention in Greek internal affairs.” (868.00/3–548)↩