Greece - US Department of State

Greece 731
289. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of
State 1
Athens, August 26, 1970, 1746Z.
4723. Ref: State 137363. 2 Department please pass White House.
1. I saw PriMin Papadopulos last night and discussed with him
in detail question of further liberalization measures by GOG. In this
context, I referred to greatly improved relations between our two governments
as shown by exchange of presidential letters, 3 the role of U.S.
regarding action by the Council of Europe, our attempt to persuade
opposing countries in NATO that DPC report on Greece 4 should be
treated as defense not political issue, as well as efforts in Senate regarding
both Pell and Hartke amendments, and finally, imminence of
action on military aid issue. I pointed out problem not supply of military
aid but totality of relations between administration and Congress
and ability of Congress to exert its power at any time on individual issues
of high priority to U.S. national interest. I stressed our concern
was in consolidating our friendship and that I spoke as friend of PriMin
and government. I repeated again we had to take public opinion into
account, and GOG should realize their actions of crucial importance
insofar as they affected public opinion. I noted President had recently
specifically designated Apollo XIII astronauts to visit Greece. Finally,
as evidence that U.S. has sought to give positive assistance to creating
favorable image for GOG abroad, I added we had made clear to all
NATO governments that only way to progress was to work with present
Greek Government.
2. Within this context, I reported the Secretary of State and USG
very pleased with release of 500 prisoners. We hoped that they would
now decree entry into effect of Articles 12, 111, and 112 coupled with
a specific statement that remaining “shadow of martial law” removed.
I added opinion that combined with release of detainees, such action
would sound most convincing note to opposition abroad that new
regime here to stay and that progress lay through not against them. It
would be especially helpful, I continued, if such an announcement came
before the DPC meeting in September. I added that in any event we considered
that meeting did not present an insurmountable problem.
1
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593,
Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. I Jan 69–Oct 70. Secret; Nodis.
2
Telegram 137363 to Athens, August 22, provided instructions for Tasca to use in
his discussion about regime liberalization with Papadopoulos. (Ibid.)
3
Apparently a reference to the Nixon–Papadopoulos exchange of letters. See Document
274.
4
For information.