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

257. Telegram From the Embassy in Belgium to the Department of State⁰

Brussels, March 4, 1959, 7 p.m.

1149. Athens telegrams 1919 and 1946 to Department.¹ICFTU special representative Greece Zev Levin (Israeli) returning Athens March 5. His assessment Greek labor situation as outlined orally to Labor Attaché (which coincides with understanding Embassy Athens in reference telegrams) appears to have impressed ICFTU officials. Written report his findings when completed will be submitted March 14–17 Geneva subcommittee meeting which will presumably decide future ICFTU policy toward Greek Confederation of Labor (GSEE).

Meanwhile ICFTU’s Malles says Levin will continue press Greek program calling for:

(1) Reorganization GSEE along conventional trade union lines including establishment dues structure,

(2) Persuade Makris adopt meaningful anti-Communist GSEE position which will satisfy dissidents, and

(3) Setting of new GSEE congress which attended by dissidents. Malles thinks some progress made resolving situation since dissidents no longer demanding Makris ouster and have already indicated willingness attend another congress. He notes opposition Makris now consolidated mainly on Communist issue.

Malles says any attempt picture ICFTU as pro-Makris erroneous but that ICFTU has had no alternative but work with him as re-elected GenSec of affiliated organization whose Thirteenth Congress accepted as legal by Greek court. In any event, Malles says ICFTU holds Communists making inroads GSEE not because Makris but because GSEE bad movement. Says further very little additional ICFTU money, although authorized, will be given GSEE until Makris moves in direction program outlined above.²

Folger

0. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 881.06/3–459. Confidential Repeated to Athens and Paris.
1. Telegram 1919 from Athens is printed as Document 256. Regarding telegram 1946, see footnote 1 thereto.
2. In despatch 786 from Athens, March 26, Berger reported that Makris had “made his peace” with Labor Minister Demetratos. The Greek Government had lifted its freeze on Labor Hearth funds for GSEE and ended Makris’ reliance on ICFTU aid. The dissidents within GSEE were “confused and demoralized” by Makris’ reversal and the Communist press was mounting a violent attack on Makris as a “traitor.” (Department of State, Central Files, 881.062/3–2659)