Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XVI, Cyprus; Greece; Turkey

267. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Greece¹

Washington, April 3, 1967, 8:14 p.m.

167844. For Ambassador from Rockwell.

1. Your two letters received over weekend² and given very careful study. You are to be highly commended for manner in which you handled first session with King. We hope that there will be continuing dialogue. Gratified in meanwhile to see that King has offered mandate to Canellopoulos thus providing time for political parties themselves to work their way out of impasse. We concur with points you propose to make orally (ref March 31 letter). We recommend that points one, two and four be made strongly and in whatever detail you consider advisable at time.

2. We would be inclined to warn more strongly against possible constitutional deviation. Depth of Greek feeling against such a move should be more carefully weighed by King. Andreas as “martyr” with Lambrakis machine standing fully behind him would be very formidable opponent. As matter of principle, of course, U.S. would be opposed to extra-parliamentary move. You should stress point that U.S. reaction to such move cannot be determined in advance but would depend on circumstances at time.

3. Finally, strong statements along lines paras 6 and 7 most desirable. We are glad that lines of communication are open to you and hope that King will feel free to communicate directly with you whenever he wishes to discuss his problems.

4. Letter follows.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15 GREECE. Secret; Immediate; Exdis. Drafted by Brewster and Owens and approved by Rockwell.
2. Talbot’s March 30 letter is Document 265. The letter of March 31 has not been found.