347. Transcript of Teleconference Between the Embassy in Greece and the Department of State 1
SecState item 1.
PARTICIPANTS
- Amb. Battle
- Mr. Rockwell
- Mr. Brewster
Subject:
- Greek crisis
Classification:
- Secret-Exdis
End Item.
Athens item 1.
We face new situation tonight with Papadopoulos having in effect declared King deposed and new government of which he Prime Minister, [Page 707] etc.2 My inclination continues to be try to see him and argue issue out on basis Athens 27513 (to which we have received no response). However, Athenians may take a call by me as de facto recognition of this regime which I assume we must consider to be a rebel regime. We are attempting to get some Embassy [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] officer to Kavala tomorrow to establish contact with King, whose movements and plans continue to be unknown to us. Question arises, however, whether USG should now make its choice and cast die in favor of King. This might involve USG declaration of support of King and instructions to me to join King and his Cabinet wherever they may be at earliest opportunity. You will understand gravity of this decision, involving as it does our total presence and all facilities in all of Greece. My own view at this moment is that in best of circumstances USG will find it extremely difficult to deal with Papadopoulos controlled govt of southern Greece. I cannot say for certain how best civil war can be averted.
My sense, however, is that rather than attempting straddle issue we might do best by opting strongly on side of King as soon as we have any information that he has in fact won loyalty and support of preponderance of Greek armed forces. As of this moment, we have no assets to learn true situation in north of Greece, nor has King yet established contact with Greek people or with US. Request your comments.
End item 1.
SecState item 2.
Following statement drafted for issuance this morning and delayed in view sketchy info then existing. Please comment on wisdom issuing this or similar statement:
“U.S. statement
King Constantine of Greece has departed Athens and arrived at Larissa in northern Greece. He has issued an appeal to the people of Greece asking for their support for the restoration of democracy.
Since the change of government in Athens on April 21 the United States Government has urged that steps be taken in Greece to bring about a return to constitutionalism. The United States Government has believed, and continues to believe, that it is essential that this be accomplished by peaceful means. We urge the people of Greece to work together for the re-establishment of democracy, avoiding bloodshed and civil strife.
[Page 708]End item.
Item 2. Answering SecState item 2.
Your statement is excellent and I recommend it be put out immediately. You will see that King has been reported by VOA source as seen in Kavala this evening. Rather than “arrived at Larissa” I would suggest “arrived at Macedonia.”
My own inclination is to make last appeal to Papadopoulos, along lines of Athens 2751 if you agree, and laying on line our probable position if they persist in partition. We could opt for King early tomorrow when we know better what his situation is.
End item 2.
Athens item 3.
While I was dictating previous item Brigadier Pattakos telephoned Embassy and asked to speak to me. If you agree, I will phone back in few minutes and arrange to see him shortly to make pitch suggested in previous item.
End item 3.
SecState item 3.
We understand that King’s statement has been repeated four (4) times today. Is this correct?
End item.
Item 4 Athens answering SecState item 3.
We understand King’s message was broadcast 4 or 5 times on Larissa radio between 1430 and 1800 hrs today, and also on Thessaloniki radio. We have not yet heard any broadcast from Kavala or any other from King or forces presumably supporting King.
End of item 4.
Item 5 Athens
State 84028 answering Athens 2751, has just arrived.4 I will proceed on basis this instruction with any modifications conveyed in present telecon in response to foregoing items.
End item 5.
Secstate item 4.
We agree you should make pitch in first two paras your message and had already so authorized. Agree you should so speak to Pattakos. Suggest you not use last sentence para 2 in view danger that King would consider U.S. had undercut him by emphasizing negotiations which he may not consider acceptable.
[Page 709]End item.
Item 6 Athens.
We doing everything possible to increase flow of information. All elements contributing all intelligence available to Embassy Sitreps.
End item 6.
SecState item 5.
We agree we cannot straddle issue very long, and must support general goals of King.
However, we prefer to finesse for time being question of state of regime in Athens and group with King. We are inclined prefer standing on position we have taken since April 21 which implies support of King but without making entirely clear difficult legal situation.
There are advantages in your remaining in never-never land for day or so particularly if it appears likely contact with new govt can produce useful result.
We agree subject approval Secretary and President to adherence purposes of King but without going all way with your withdrawal to his at present unknown destination.
Decision your move to north would likely depend on ability of King to control army and generate public support.
End item.
SecState item 6.
Assume your call on Patakos obviates your call Papadopoulos for moment. In general, however, you should avoid paying calls on high level officials if possible unless you have some important reason to do so. If it is possible to hold necessary contacts at low level this is desirable.
End item 6.
Athens item 7 answering SecState item 6.
Thanks, but if we are to attempt to influence Papadopoulos, Pattakos, and Makarezos tonight I fear no Embassy officer but me can establish contact. I will try to do as much as possible in one call, presumably on Pattakos.
End item 7.
SecState item 8.
We understand and concur.
End item.
SecState item 7.
Is it your recommendation that statement (our item two (2)) be issued immediately or do you wish await further info strength of King with army and public.
[Page 710]End item.
Athens item 9.
Suggest you issue statement immediately.
End item 9.
Athens item 8.
I have just talked with Pattakos who asked me to come to Greek Pentagon to meet with “us”. I assume he means Papadopoulos, Makarezos, General Anghelis and he are there together. EmbOff and I will go there as soon as this telecon completed.
End item 8.
SecState item 9.
From Amb. Battle
I have just talked with Secretary who interested having all information as soon as possible especially with respect situation in north. He suggests possibility Embassy send someone to north to ascertain facts. NATO Council adjourns in 12 hours. There is strong sentiment there for what King is trying to do provided he has any base of support and there is anything to back up. If we want Secretary to take any action he must have guidance within 8 hours.
Secretary’s inclination at moment is that statement should await clarification of situation in north.
End item.
Athens item 10 answering SecState item 9.
We are trying to [get?] officer from CG Thessaloniki over to Kavala. [3–1/2 lines of source text not declassified] At first light we will see whether there any chance attaché plane can take off from Athens airport for north. US military units in north have been quartered on bases, and we have no other active assets in eastern Macedonia or Thrace. [2–1/2 lines of source text not declassified]
End item 10.
Athens item 11. Further to SecState item 9.
I will flash recommendations for Secretary at NATO after returning from forthcoming meeting with Junta colonels.
End item 11.
Secstate item 10. Re Athens item 4.
Larissa armed forces radio announced 2001 GMT on behalf Premier that by decisions King, Ministers Papadopoulos, Zoitakis, Pattakos, etc. dismissed. All armed forces in Thrace, Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly—90 percent of army and all air and naval forces obeying King’s command.
End item.
SecState item 11.
From Amb. Battle
[Page 711]In your message for Secretary you should also include your recommendations re public statement by USG. Secretary still bearish at present time.
End item.
Athens item 12.
SecState item 11 understood and will do.
Do you have anything further?
End item 12.
SecState item 12.
We have nothing further. Thanks.
End item.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–9 GREECE. Secret; Exdis.↩
- During the evening of December 13, the Junta announced the deposition of the King, his replacement by a Regent, and the formation of a new government with Papadopoulos as Prime Minister. The Regent, General George Zoitakis, and Papadopoulos were sworn in by the Archbishop of Athens that evening.↩
- Document 346.↩
- See footnote 2, Document 346.↩