Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western European Security, Volume V, Part 1

740.5/2–2052: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State, at Lisbon¹

confidential
priority

Washington, February 20, 1952—7:43 p.m.

Tosec 18. For Dorsz and Kirkpatrick. Reports reaching Dept indicate Athens trial Commies and collaborators not receiving warranted attention in Eur press.² Dept believes this unusual and excellent opportunity demonstrate Cominform technique of subversion and interference internal affairs non-Commie nations which is common danger to all Western nations. Stimulus for wider coverage might be induced by very brief Grk exposé of these events at NATO mtg calling attention to internatl implications of trials. If no objection perceived suggest Grk DEL Lisbon be approached recommending they raise this matter and offer complete record of probe and trial to NATO govts. Believe Lisbon or NATO dateline wld greatly increase interest in subj and promote Western Eur press coverage.

Webb

1. This telegram was drafted by Dixon (P/POL) and signed for the Acting Secretary by Rountree. The telegram was repeated for information to Athens as 3959.
2. Comprehensive documentation on U.S. relations with Greece, including papers on the incident referred to here, is printed in volume viii .