781.00/8–2750: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
608. Re Embtel 641.1 In call today on McGhee, Tsouderos2 mentioned, inter alia, Plastiras had telephoned Aug 26 stating EPEK wld support Venizelos Govt3 but wld not participate. This morning Tsouderos recd cable from Kartalis4 expressing view at least Kartalis and Tsouderos shld participate. Tsouderos further said Lambrakis,5 “a close personal friend”, had recommended EPEK not participate in Govt.
Tsouderos said he wld attempt persuade Plastiras agree participation EPEK members in Govt, but in any event he planned remain with Plastiras in order prevent Plastiras falling into hands of extreme left, and hold EPEK in readiness if Venizelos’ Govt shld fall. McGhee pointed out that if EPEK held itself aloof in anticipation fall Venizelos Govt, such attitude wld in itself accelerate that contingency. One weakness Plastiras’ Govt derived from failure Venizelos participate. McGhee said Dept had recd excellent reports contributions Tsouderos and Kartalis and he hoped Tsouderos wld see his way clear join Govt. Dept considered highly desirable EPEK be preserved as center force. If, in so doing, Govt wld lose services Tsouderos, that price must be paid. He was confident nevertheless, Tsouderos cld persuade Plastiras permit participation EPEK members.
Tsouderos said Plastiras was eager visit US as “tourist” at earliest possible moment and suggested we arrange keep him here as long as possible. Meanwhile Tsouderos wld be active leader of EPEK. In reply query whether other Grk polit leaders might not misinterpret Plastiras’ activities here, Tsouderos laughed and said there wld be much more difficulty if Plastiras stayed behind. In response to inquiry Tsouderos said he did not fear new elections; that in his opinion new elections were only solution.
[Page 405]Amb Politis6 also present during interview.
If, as indicated, EPEK does not in fact participate new Govt, ur views requested desirability holding elections now.
- Not printed.↩
- Emmanuel Tsouderos, joint leader with Gen. Nicholas Plastiras of EPEK, the National Progressive Union of the Center, was Minister of Coordination in the government of Gen. Plastiras which left office on August 21.↩
- Formed August 21, with Sophocles Venizelos as Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and provisional Minister of National Defense and of Interior.↩
- George Kartalis, EPEK Member of Parliament.↩
- Demetrius Lambrakis, publisher of the Athens newspapers, Vima and Nea.↩
- Athanase G. Politis, Greek Ambassador in the United States.↩