238. Editorial Note
Greek parliamentary elections were Held on May 11. Karamanlis’ National Radical Union (ERE) won 41 percent of the vote and an absolute majority of 171 seats in the lower house. The pro-Communist United Democratic Left (EDA) emerged as the second largest party with 79 seats. The centrist Liberal Party lost heavily and retained only 36 seats.
King Paul asked Karamanlis to form a new government, which took office on May 17. Telegram 3238 from Athens, May 21, analyzed the results of the elections. (Department of State, Central Files, 781.00/5–2158)