761.68/7–748: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom
top secret us urgent
Washington, July 21,
1948—1 p. m.
2846. For Ambassador only.
- 1.
- Dept informed by letter dated July 7 from Rankin in Athens1 that Tsaldaris reported in strictest confidence approach made to him by member Soviet Emb staff latter part June but prior Cominform’s denunciation Tito, proposing conversations be initiated between Grk and Soviet Govts for settlement outstanding difficulties. Prior condition would be Tsaldaris’ promise to hold discussions personally in greatest secrecy without mentioning matter to anyone else in Grk Govt. It was intimated that Soviets were prepared discuss not only general relations Greece with northern neighbors but also questions Northern Epirus and Cyprus. Tsaldaris was noncommittal with Soviet rep and has taken no further initiative. Question worries him and he wishes expression our views on how this Sov approach may fit in general picture and suggestions as to how he should reply. He naturally is suspicious that purpose this Soviet move is to discredit him if he should engage in secret negotiations or to drive opening wedge for Soviet “mediation” between Grk Govt and Markos.
- 2.
- Please inform Bevin of foregoing, pointing out that so far as we know Tsaldaris has mentioned this to no one but Rankin, However, we would not wish to offer any advice without Bevin’s knowledge and concurrence. It is our intention, if you and Bevin perceive no objections, to reply along lines of following paragraph.
- 3.
- In Dept’s opinion no approach by Soviets should be flatly rejected, as any eventual hope for solution outstanding difficulties must envisage exchange of views. Although Soviet motives in suggesting discussions or negotiations are justifiably suspect, outright refusal of Soviet overtures would add substance to Communist propaganda that Western powers determined prevent rapprochement and divide world [Page 116] in two opposing camps. Method of approach to Tsaldaris, however, is in our view unacceptable. He would be well advised, we think, to inform Soviet rep that Grk Govt always willing receive Soviet views on problems mutual interest or those affecting international relationships among community of UN” member states. He would therefore be happy to receive any views which the Soviet Govt wishes to transmit through its representatives in Greece. As such discussions are not personal matters, he could undertake no commitment to hold conversations on a personal basis but only as a rep of Grk Govt charged with the duty of reporting to his Govt.
- 4.
- We would also express to Tsaldaris our hope that he will keep us informed of developments in this matter and of any Soviet views expressed to him.
Marshall
- Not printed.↩