360. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of State 1

3425. Ref: State 108450.2

1.
In friendly, frank 35-minute session with Prime Minister Papadopoulos, following are significant points established:
2.
Prime Minister warmly accepted invitation for luncheon aboard USS Roosevelt February 15.3 This will include underwater operations demonstration.
3.
New Constitution—PriMin said expects be ready to publish new constitutional draft and announce precise date of plebiscite very soon. Decision “almost made” to publish for full public consideration and comparison texts present Constitution, Mitrelias committee’s draft, and government draft based on latter. Following full discussion and possible changes suggested by local and foreign public opinion, and by US Government and/or foreign constitutional law experts if they wish, final text to be submitted to plebiscite within time period previously stated.
4.
Reorganization of state machinery—progress is slow because difficult get at truth amid welter of charges against individuals—“Greek mentality has not changed.” PriMin said he does not wish do injustice to individuals. However, he determined move ahead and if mistakes are made, will not hesitate rectify even though accused of retreat.
5.
Resumption full military assistance—PriMin said, while he believed it unjustified, he understood how USG could afford “luxury policy” of MAP suspension prior emergence of Soviet fleet in Eastern Mediterranean. Believes USG cannot now afford such policy. Greece, he said, can be relied upon, in its geographic area, to do its full share in defense of free world but must have assistance from its friends.
6.
Cyprus—No new developments, but PriMin somewhat anxious about Turkish motives concerning paragraph 4 Vance agreement. He emphasized that on basis historical evidence Turkish policy not based on sincerity. USG, he said, must advise Turks appropriately to prevent future crisis which could only help the Communists.
7.
I explained and PriMin said he understood President and administration extremely busy with other matters.4 I commented, however, on encouraging signs shown in GOG’s recent progress on number matters (experimental relaxation press restrictions, signs increasing attention paid to trade unions, etc.) on which there continuing interest in US. I expressed optimism that accomplishment of various constructive steps by GOG would ease current unfavorable attitude in some sections US Congress and press, thus permitting US and Greece get back on most friendly basis established since 1947.
8.
PriMin assured me he understood and would continue be completely frank and sincere in our future discussions for which he said he will always be available. He agreed that it would be mutually helpful to discuss and closely follow step-by-step progress towards GOG achievement of conditions making possible full US support. But, he said, this “step-by-step” progress should not be met by a continuing “wait-and-see” USG attitude.
9.
Discussion ended when PriMin expressed assurance that USG could count on his government’s sincere desire for frank and friendly relations and on his own friendly feelings toward me. I assured him that USG and I reciprocate the desire.
10.
Believe that a good beginning was made to eliminate whatever residue might remain of Prime Minister’s resentments, hurt feelings, and suspicions created after December 13. He was in affable mood, seemed genuinely pleased with visit, and made no comment on my remark at outset that I was pleased to be meeting with him under conditions and at an hour much more pleasant than the last time (January 12). He continues to be aware that Greece’s earliest possible return to democracy is our desire.
Talbot
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, POL GREECE–US. Secret; Priority; Exdis.
  2. In telegram 3394 from Athens, February 1, Talbot suggested an invitation to visit the U.S.S. Roosevelt as a means of establishing “a more confident relationship” with Papadopoulos. (Ibid.) The Department approved the suggestion in telegram 108612 to Athens, February 1. (Ibid.)
  3. Telegram 108450 to Athens, February 1, provided instructions for Talbot for his discussions with Papadopoulos. (Ibid.)
  4. In telegram 108701 to Athens, February 1, the Department of State informed Talbot that a reply to the Papadopoulos letter was under consideration and instructed him to tell the Prime Minister, if queried, that he had no reply to date. (Ibid.)