868.00/8–248: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
top secret
Washington, August 2,
1948—4 p. m.
1080. For Amb only.
- 1.
- In interest preserving coordinated US–UK policy toward Greece Dept did not wish to give Tsaldaris its views on informal Soviet approach to him without prior UK knowledge and agreement. Therefore, Dept requested Douglas discuss with Bevin substance Rankin letter July 7 to Henderson, outlining our views on appropriate reply to Tsaldaris and seeking Bevin’s concurrence and suggestions. In Dept’s view no approach by Soviets should be flatly rejected even though motivations underlying such approach justifiably suspect. Tsaldaris might be advised to inform Soviet rep that as member Grk Govt he would be glad to hear Soviet views on problem of mutual interest. Of course he could not hold conversations on personal basis but would be happy to report Soviet views to Grk Govt.
- 2.
- Bevin agrees1 in general with Dept’s views but points out that approach may well be Soviet trap not only to discredit Tsaldaris with Grk Govt but also to aggravate uneasy partnership with Sophoulis. Bevin believes Tsaldaris should immediately inform Sophoulis of Soviet approach. He further feels that at outset Tsaldaris should indicate unequivocally to Soviet rep that he is not prepared to “discuss” Cyprus question.
- 3.
- You should seek early opportunity to inform Tsaldaris that, though Dept doubts good faith of Soviet approach, outstanding differences with USSR can never be satisfactorily solved without direct exchange of views. We therefore think he might, after frank discussion with Sophoulis and with latter’s concurrence, inform Soviet rep that he would be glad to hear Soviet views on problems of mutual interest for transmittal on strictly confidential basis to highest levels of Grk Govt. It is Dept’s opinion that Tsaldaris should make it clear he is in no position to “discuss” or negotiate at this time but can only receive Soviet views which must necessarily be considered by his Govt prior to more detailed discussion. You should also express to Tsaldaris our hope that he will keep us informed of all developments and Soviet views.
- 4.
- For your info Dept feels that gratuitous reference to Cyprus by Tsaldaris at outset would be uselessly provocative and would place undue emphasis on question which Soviet rep may not intend to mention. Bevin’s objection to discussion of Cyprus will be adequately met, in Dept’s opinion, if Tsaldaris makes clear to Soviet rep that preliminary conversations can consist only of his listening to Soviet views and that he is not personally authorized to express official Grk reaction to any point prior to consideration by Grk Govt.
- 5.
- Unless Tsaldaris indicates he has consulted British on this subject or is apprized our discussions with Bevin, you should not mention fact we have coordinated our views with UK before replying his request for advice. In any event, preferable not to disclose Bevin’s atttitude on Cyprus question.
Marshall
- Mr. Bevin’s views were conveyed in Ambassador Douglas’ telegram 3437, July 28, 8 p. m., not printed.↩