781.13/11–2151: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Peurifoy) to the Department of State
2412. Averoff tells me that Plastiras last Monday before second heart attack1 directed him officially to inform NATO powers that [Page 522] Greece wld have to reduce armed forces unless further assistance forthcoming. Upon Averoff protesting unwisdom this step, PriMin agreed only US and UK need be informed. He first proposed forces be reduced about one-third (to 100,000) by Jan 1, but, upon Averoff again demonstrating, agreed reduction to 125,000 sufficient until Jan 1. In view PriMin’s illness, Averoff again proposes for present to take no further official action on this matter.
I shall discuss this question again with Plastiras if and when his health permits. While there is considerable degree of bluff and blackmail in this attitude and real objective is to obtain more econ aid (ref Embtel 2388, Nov 20) Plastiras has long felt armed forces cld and shld be reduced and there is no assurance he might not carry out some reduction. In speaking with him on subj, I shld point out that reduction of Grk forces at this time, over and above stimulating effect on neighboring Sov satellites, might jeopardize Senate approval of Grk admission to NATO and in view present Congressional preoccupation with building military strength, wld be more likely to reduce than increase US aid.
I believe such attitude on our part wld probably block reduction but consider position shld be made clear to Plastiras promptly before his campaign acquires further momentum and he gets farther out on limb. I shld therefore appreciate urgent confirmation that it remain firm policy of Dept and JCS that Grk armed forces shld remain at present level. It will also be most helpful in talking with Plastiras if I am able to state definitely what level of US econ and military aid to Greece for current year will be and if I am able to assure him of regular counterpart releases for essential projects provided his govt is taking necessary anti-inflationary measures.
- Peurifoy had informed the Secretary of State in telegram 2402 from Athens, November 21, that Plastiras had suffered a second heart attack the previous day and that, while his physicians expected him to recover, he “will however be out of action for at least one month” (781.13/11–2151). In telegram 2551 to Athens, November 27, Acting Secretary Webb replied that the Army had two excellent heart specialists in Germany and had ordered one of them to Greece (781.13/11–2451). In telegram 2528 from Athens, November 30, Peurifoy reported that a Col. William S. George had arrived in Athens, examined Plastiras, and concluded that his condition was as his Greek physicians had described (781.13/11–3051).↩