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

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

Washington, May 31, 1967, 5:17 p.m.

205238. Ref: Athens 5521, 5509, 5510, 5486.²

1. While we consider appointment of committee to revise Greek constitution as positive step towards eventual return to constitutional processes, we are nonetheless disturbed by other steps taken by new government, as well as by comment by Min Papadopoulos and press organs close to him, which appear to indicate that govt. does not intend to return to parliamentarianism in near future. We recognize that somewhat contradictory developments may represent split within coup leadership as to ultimate aim of April 21 “revolution.” Therefore, as part of continuing U.S pressure towards return to parliamentary government, as well as to encourage those elements within govt. supporting return to constitutional processes, we recommend that you call on PriMin Kollias at early opportunity to set forth following points:

(a) U.S. is encouraged by May 30 announcement of appointment of 20-member committee which will revise constitution and submit it to govt. within six months. This step is consistent with earlier statements by King and govt. leaders of an intention to return to constitutional processes, and we hope that it will soon be followed by announcement of date completed document will be presented to Greek people for approval.

(b) However, we are disturbed by certain other developments which seem to suggest a step-up in repressive measures. Among these is arrest of additional non-Communist politicians, including John Tsouderos, as well as delay in release of several thousand political prisoners, as earlier promised in govt. statements. We are also concerned by statements in newspapers reflecting govt. opinion that return to parliamentary democracy will be far in the future, as well as by articles in such papers seemingly aimed at discrediting parliamentarianism. Also disquieting is Papadopoulos statement that “termination of life of revolution before it fulfills its tasks would be act of highest treason both to nation and to people (Athens 5509).

(c) Degree to which new govt. moves (or does not move) towards restoration democratic institutions is closely followed by American public and Congress. (U.S. press and public concern at recent developments in Greece is illustrated by May 30 NYTimes editorial “Backsliding in Greece.”) Possibility of returning to normal Greek-U.S. relations, including resumption of MAP, will be directly influenced by new govt.’s progress in returning to constitutional processes and its handling of political prisoners. To extent govt. steps up repressive measures it lessens chances of early return to normal relations.

2. You may wish to draw on above in discussions with other key govt. leaders.³

3. We would also appreciate your assessment of recent developments as indicative of split within coup leadership over question of future return to constitutionalism.

Rusk

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 15–5 GREECE. Secret. Drafted by Owens, cleared by Brewster, and approved by Rockwell.
2. Telegram 5521 from Athens, May 30, reported on membership in the Greek constitutional committee. (Ibid.) Telegram 5509 from Athens, May 29, noted that the Junta had no intention of an early return to parliamentary rule. (Ibid.) Telegram 5510 from Athens, May 29, reported the arrest of two former Ministers and regime opponents. (Ibid., POL 29 GREECE) Telegram 5486 from Athens, May 27, reported other arrests of former political figures. (Ibid.)
3. Prior to his return to the United States, Talbot held meetings with Prime Minister Kollias, Pattakos, Makarezos, Spandidakis, and Papadopoulos. Memoranda of these conversations are ibid., Greek Desk Files: Lot 69 D 553, Coup Managers.