868.00/8–648: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
1144. Dept agrees in general with suggested procedure penultimate paragraph Embtel 1532 Aug 6, and would stress particularly concurrence of US, Grk and Brit military as to timing of statement which, for maximum impact, must appear as “lead from strength”. On other hand, while coincidence of statement with resumption Tchernychev contact would be desirable, it would not seem absolutely essential. Accordingly, if military situation should not seem to justify immediate issuance of statement, there would nevertheless seem to be no reason why Tsaldaris, after clearing with Sophoulis, should not now hear what Tchernychev has to say.
Similarly Dept sees no conflict between Tchernychev contact and Moscow talks. Greece has not been and is not expected to be discussed in those exchanges. Dept believes it advantageous that initiative come from Soviets and that clarification by Tchernychev of present Soviet attitude toward Greece could only be helpful.
As to nature of proposed statement by Grk Govt, it is felt that for maximum appeal to guerrillas and world opinion it should be as specific as possible re actual and proposed handling of rank and file rather than mere reiteration of Govt’s magnanimous intent.
Govt has correctly refused to deal with guerrillas as insurgents. However world opinion would doubtless regard as impractical and unjust [Page 130] any effort to process or treat as individual criminals 20,000 armed men who have been operating in effect as organized Army under military discipline.
Foregoing views may be conveyed Tsaldaris at your discretion.