Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
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<strong>Greece</strong> 715<br />
3. He then suggested to the King that he seek a meeting with Prime<br />
Minister since time ripe for his return to <strong>Greece</strong>, pointing out to King<br />
regime now firmly established, economy booming in extraordinary<br />
fashion, and his return important with respect to future stability <strong>of</strong><br />
country and firmness <strong>of</strong> timetable for return to parliamentary democracy.<br />
In an aside, FonMin told me he greatly concerned that King come<br />
back to guarantee that Papadopoulos’s commitment to return to parliamentary<br />
democracy, which he is deeply convinced is sincere, be<br />
backed up by King in <strong>Greece</strong> on throne, since disappearance <strong>of</strong> Papadopoulos<br />
could be catastrophic for future <strong>of</strong> Greek democracy.<br />
4. King said he eager to meet with PM. In reply to my question<br />
why King did not come out publicly for arms aid to <strong>Greece</strong>, which we<br />
knew he favored, FonMin said that King ready and eager to back up<br />
arms aid to <strong>Greece</strong>, but that this must come after a meeting with PM<br />
reviewing entire situation but based upon an implementation <strong>of</strong> the<br />
1968 Constitution.<br />
5. Pipinelis then revealed that meeting between the two almost<br />
took place last year but that PM backed out at least minute. During<br />
their December meeting last year Pipinelis again suggested to King a<br />
meeting with PM. He said he had made clear to King that meeting<br />
would not necessarily lead to immediate action. King was also informed<br />
<strong>of</strong> opposition on part <strong>of</strong> younger, middle grade <strong>of</strong>ficers to his<br />
return. When asked by King what he should talk about, Pipinelis told<br />
King there was nothing regarding his return to talk about since Constitution<br />
contains necessary provision regarding return <strong>of</strong> King.<br />
6. Pipinelis firmly denied any differences with King or any instructions<br />
by Papadopoulos in the nature <strong>of</strong> an ultimatum. He believes<br />
hostile press deliberately seeking to drive deeper wedge between King<br />
and the regime.<br />
7. In reply to my question as to where a meeting between King<br />
and Prime Minister might take place, FonMin said “early aboard some<br />
ship, as absolute secrecy must be preserved.”<br />
Tasca
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