868.00/4–149: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Grady) to the Secretary of State
626. While aware possible propaganda advantages resulting Greek renunciation Northern Epirus claim prior resumption so-called conciliation talks at Lake Success (Belgrade telegram 272, March 16 and Sofia telegram 9, March 241) it appears politically impossible for Greeks to take such action at present and inadvisable that we press them to do so.
Subject recently broached with Pipinelis, permanent Undersecretary Foreign Office, who, as experienced diplomat and member Greek GA delegation, well aware UN and world public opinion angles of Balkan conciliation talks and unfortunate interpretation placed on breakdown these conversations in Paris last winter. He declared categorically that no non-Communist Greek government could make such renunciation. It seems unreasonable expect Greeks to make such gesture in favor of openly hostile Albania which is furnishing chief support to Greek guerrillas largely from bases located in Northern Epirus itself.
Furthermore, considerations should be given Albania’s strategic location on Otranto Straits and as traditional gateway between Balkans and West. In our view, US should not take any step which could be represented as indicating even tacit approval complete absorption Albania into Eastern satellite system and as corollary, should not press Greece formally renounce at this time its territorial claims on Albania. These are at least far better justified than claims of any third country against Albania. If peaceful and equitable solution for Albanian question were in prospect, which is not case at present, Greece could at such time, be asked to assist by denouncing Northern Epirus claims and probably would be willing do so if genuine resumption of normal friendly relations with northern neighbors could be assured. Only on basis of such quid pro quo could gesture be justified by Greek Government to its own people.
At same time, we have repeatedly urged Greeks avoid agitation on Northern Epirus and Foreign Office has usually done so. During forthcoming Lake Success talks, Greeks can be expected to take reasonable position that their Northern Epirus claims are before CFM and that relations can be established with Albania pending territorial decision by that body.
[Page 290]Even on propaganda side, value renunciation of Northern Epirus by Greeks is open to question. It will be remembered that Greeks last July proposed to Bulgars resumption of diplomatic relations with mutual renunciation territorial claims and that Bulgars refused. This refusal did not, however, prevent Kolarov,2 in recent speech, from alleging that Greek territorial pretentions prevent establishment normal relations between Bulgaria and this country. Also seems unlikely that conciliation talks at Lake Success will lead to any clarification (if such is needed) of Communist territorial designs in Balkans.
In sum, Greek renunciation of Northern Epirus might well occasion internal government crisis and appears most unlikely either promote establishment better relations with northern neighbors or provide useful ammunition in present war of words between East and West. Continued aid by northern neighbors and other Russian satellites to Greek guerrillas in open defiance overwhelming GA condemnation such action, like repeated and deliberate violation Satellite peace treaties and continuance religious persecution in Satellite countries in contemptuous disregard protests of civilized world, seems to provide clear indication baselessness any expectation that policy of international communism will be significantly affected at this time by expressions UN or Western public opinion.
Sent Department 626; repeated Belgrade 35, Sofia 27.