Foreign Relations of the United States, 1958–1960, Eastern Europe; Finland; Greece; Turkey, Volume X, Part 2

246. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State⁰

Athens, October 2, 1958, 4 p.m.

897. 1. We have learned that Fotis Makris, Secretary General Greek General Confederation of Labor (GSEE) sent letters dated September 26 to George Meany and Walter Reuther of AF of L–CIO:

a. Alleging GOG withholding labor funds due GSEE in order prevent triennial conference October 15;¹

b. Attacking government for interfering with trade union movement; and

c. Requesting AF of L–CIO grant or lend approximately ten thousand dollars finance conference.

2. For Department’s background in event matter under discussion with AF of L–CIO:

a. Recent similar request addressed ICFTU and ERO for twelve thousand dollars was refused;

b. Schevenels in August made strong criticism Makris administration;

c. Kyriakopoulos, Deputy Secretary GSEE, broke last week with Makris and is expected challenge Makris for leadership at conference.

d. Makris’ name, mentioned in a corruption case few months ago, was mentioned again last week in another corruption trial;

e. Makris’ high-handed administration and opportunistic playing with Communists to counteract growing opposition within GSEE to his leadership have made him many enemies and there is now strong movement from below to oust him;

f. Not yet certain GOG will withhold funds. Minister Labor Dimitratos told Embassy officer last week he has not yet decided what to do about releasing funds;

g. Strong indications government is working with Kyriakopoulos and other trade union leaders to oust Makris, or at very least curb his power, and to induce GSEE adopt constitutional changes that would permit more vigorous measures to combat Communist penetration of trade unions;

h. AF of L–CIO support for Makris at this juncture would be used by Makris to fortify his position in current struggle over leadership and policy.

[1 paragraph (4 lines of source text) not declassified]²

Riddleberger

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 881.062/10–258. Confidential. Repeated to Brussels.
1. Reference is to the Panhellenic Labor Conference.
2. In telegram 1119, October 6, the Department of State replied that it was unlikely that the AFL–CIO would respond to Makris’ appeal. (Department of State, Central Files, 881.062/10–258)