Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Eastern Europe; Soviet Union; Eastern Mediterranean, Volume VIII

747C.00/11–1754: Telegram

No. 398
The Ambassador in Greece (Cannon) to the Department of State¹

secret
niact

Athens, November 17, 1954—6 p.m.

1079. Reference Deptel 1158, November 16.² Foreign Minister just sent me message³ Greek Government greatly distressed by effect of letter to Papagos if text or even substance becomes public knowledge. What he has in mind is that in view series of current shocks to Greek Rally position such as continuing Parliamentary defections to Markezinis faction, quarrels over German contracts, complications in US aid procedures and probable gains anti-Rally elements in next Sunday’s municipal elections, this is indeed most awkward moment for set-back on Cyprus issue.

He asks that Cyprus issue letter be held in strict secrecy at least until after elections. He says Papagos fears that divulging this matter even to third government on confidential basis might well tip balance against Rally candidates in such critical areas as Athens, Salonika and Piraeus.

Please advise whether we can give Greeks any assurances on security aspect this matter.⁴

Cannon

1. Repeated for information to London.
2. Telegram 1158 summarized Document 396. (747C.00/11–1654)
3. Not found in Department of State files.
4. Telegram 1173 to Athens, Nov. 17, authorized the Embassy to give such assurances, which were then conveyed orally by Schnee to John Sossides, Secretary to Stephanopoulos, Nov. 19. (747C.00/11–1754; and handwritten notation on copy of telegram 1173 in Athens Embassy files, lot 60 F 16, “350 Cyprus 1954”)