Greece - US Department of State

Greece 831
333. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of
State 1
Athens, March 22, 1972, 1648Z.
1623. Department please pass DIA, CINCEUR, and USDOCO-
SOUTH. Subj: Further Analysis of Papadopoulos’ Assumption of Regency.
2 Ref: Athens 1584; Athens 1585. 3
1. Summary. Facts surrounding dismissal of Zoitakis and Papadopoulos’
assumption of regency still not clear. Most Greeks will not
accept official reason for change, but there is in fact long history of friction
between PM and former regent. Papadopoulos now absolute ruler
of Greece. There are few if any precedents for assumption of regency
by PM. Papadopoulos now has number of options open to him, including:
maintaining present situation; moving against King or even
proclaiming a republic; or using his increased powers to implement
Constitution, while presumably assuring continuation his own position
as political leader of country. In foreign affairs field GOG may become
more demanding of its allies. However, Papadopoulos has favored
close ties with US, and he may now be in better position resist
pressures diversify sources of arms supply. First reaction here to Papadopoulos’
move has been surprise at brutal character of dismissal of
Zoitakis. Opposition will see move as further proof Papadopoulos has
no intention returning Greece to parliamentary rule. Papadopoulos has
now made himself more of a target for those of his colleagues who resent
his increasing monopolization of power. Key question is effect Papadopoulos’
assumption of regency will have on unit commanders in
army. End Summary.
2. Facts surrounding Papadopoulos’ dismissal of Zoitakis as regent
and his own assumption of regency in addition to position of Prime
Minister (and Defense and Foreign Minister) are not yet clear. We doubt
that most Greeks will accept Government’s explanation that Zoitakis
was obstructing legislation as real reason for his replacement. However,
as we will examine later in this message, this may provide at least
partial explanation. As we noted in our preliminary assessment, it is
1 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594,
Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret; Priority; Exdis. Repeated
to Ankara, London, Nicosia, Paris, Rome, USNATO, and USUN.
2 On March 21 the Council of Ministers, chaired by Pattakos, stripped Zoitakis of
his position and appointed Papadopoulos regent.
3 Both dated March 21. The telegrams reported on the replacement of the regent.
(Both in the National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL 15–1 GREECE)