Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, The Near East, South Asia, and Africa, Volume VI

501.BB Balkan/9–1049: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece ¹

secret

Washington, September 10, 1949—3 p. m.

1503. Balcom 301. Accordance instr which he says have been approved by Council Coordination, Grk Amb informed Dept his Govt prefers UNSCOB and GA avoid attempt at formal conciliation talks on Grk case during GA. Grk Govt considers guerrilla problem substantially liquidated and fears conciliation talks wld lead to demands for Grk concessions or intervention Grk affairs which existing situation does not require. Considers Grk position vis-à-vis Cominform so improved any polit settlement required can best be pursued quietly through ordinary dipl channels. Desires therefore GA confine itself to passing resolution strongly condemning satellites, especially Alb, and calling on UN members to consult re means of eliminating Alb threat to Grk independence and integrity.²

Dept appreciates Grk desire avoid being placed in position of discussing internal affairs in UN or being forced reject “peace proposals” such as demand for renunciation claim northern Epirus. Nevertheless, we believe Grk Govt may be unduly optimistic re liquidation guerrilla threat and overlooking dangers continued support of guerrillas by Alb and Bulg. We think positive effort achieve polit settlement during GA shld be made, and that western powers and Greece wld do well take initiative to prevent Soviets from posing as sole champions of peace. Furthermore, we believe in any case some form conciliation talks or consultations will be proposed during GA and do not believe US cld oppose such proposal provided Greece were given opportunity participate.

We think dangers foreseen by Grks in GA consultations cld be minimized by careful drafting terms of reference conciliatory group. We wld of course be in best position control drafting if we, Greeks, or Brit initiated proposal.

In anticipation such attempt at agreement during GA session Dept endeavoring formulate basis for position to be taken during discussion. First step appears to be to seek Grk agreement on points involved. We suggest fol items for consideration by Grk Govt:

1. Prior to mtg of GA Grk Govt shld announce, on its own initiative, policy it will follow in treating guerrillas after main fighting has ceased. This should be as lenient as possible.

2. Coupled with amnesty announcement Grk Govt might announce program for polit rehabilitation and econ reestablishment former guerrillas, including perhaps promise of employment on public works for those unwilling or unable return to former occupations.

3. Statement by Grk Govt that it wld welcome observation and advisory assistance of UN in rehabilitation program shld provide additional inducement to guerrillas to abandon struggle and also greatly strengthen Grk position in GA discussion, even if UN shld find itself unable accept invitation. This connection, Australian proposal submitted UNSCOB delegations wld seem to fit in (Combal 481 Sep 2³).

4. Grk Govt shld announce intention to hold new general elections within specified period, with assurance elections wld be free and open to uncensored observation by world press. (We understand elections shld in any case be held by Mar 1950 to comply with constitution, and we assume Grk Govt wld see no difficulty in holding them if security conditions sufficiently improved.) We do not suggest that Communist Party be permitted compete in elections but still believe if internal situation Greece permits it wld be excellent polit move if elections cld be accompanied by simultaneous plebiscite on question of whether or not KKE shld be re-legalized. (See final para Dept’s Agram Jun 18⁴) Also consider it wld be desirable avoid any blanket prohibition on voting by ex-guerrillas and former members KKE as individuals.

5. Although it is not our intention this subj be discussed in conciliatory group, if proposal shld be made that elections be under internatl observation, suggest Grks be prepared accept this if it appeared to be sole obstacle to agreement on effective measures to protect Greece against resurgence guerrilla activity.

6. Grk Govt shld be prepared accept proposal for mixed internatl frontier Comm under UN auspices to observe and control northern frontier and have access to all four countries.

7. Grk Govt might well reiterate acceptance principal bilateral agreements with Alb, Bulg, and Yugo along lines proposed by Evatt Conciliatory Comm at last GA session. Offer cld also again be made to restore full normal dipl relations and negotiate supplementary frontier conventions as well as commercial agreements or other arrangements which might be necessary to resumption normal intercourse between states.

Fol agreement with Greeks, and preferably Brit and French as well, on foregoing, we wld propose introduce resolution in GA directing GA president and chairman Polit Comite to arrange consultations among Big Four and with Alb, Bulg, Yugo, and Greece to work out settlement basis points 3, 6, and 7 above. Resolution wld define terms of reference so as to eliminate question of territorial claims or Grk internal affairs. If Soviets and satellites attempted modify terms reference in unacceptable fashion, we are convinced move cld be defeated and do not believe Russians cld gain important propaganda advantage.

Wld appreciate your comments. If you believe points above form suitable basis for approach, pls discuss with Grk Govt and report reaction. We understand Grks already thinking along lines of most of suggested items. Dept hopes Grks will recognize importance utilizing favorable atmosphere created by military victories to consolidate position through polit settlement. We think they wld be well-advised adopt position indicated paras 1 through 7 even if there were not to be consultations at GA.

Emb London and Paris pls discuss substance of foregoing with respective FonOffs, explaining position subj to modification in light their views and those of Amb Grady.

Acheson

1. This telegram was repeated to London as 3283 and to Paris as 3378.
2. Regarding Ambassador Dendramis’ visit to the Department on September 8 to present the Greek Government views summarized here, see Jernegan’s memorandum of conversation, p. 401.
3. Telegram 1758, p. 395.
4. Airgram A–404, June 18, to Athens, p. 358.