Greece - US Department of State

Greece 835
but their attitude may be tempered by example of decisive way in
which he dealt with Zoitakis. It remains to be seen how unit commanders
will react and whether PM can continue to maintain their loyalty
on which he must continue to rely.
Tasca
334. Telegram From the Embassy in Greece to the Department of
State 1
Athens, April 21, 1972, 1137Z.
2222. Subj: Future of King Constantine and Greek Monarchy.
1. Summary: Chances of King Constantine returning to Greece appear
increasingly dim, although we have no way to determine just what
moves Prime Minister may decide to make. Papadopoulos may find it
advantageous to keep Constantine dangling on string in Rome, both
as means of neutralizing him and keeping his own options open. We
now believe there greater likelihood that Papadopoulos will eventually
declare republic but doubt that he will move precipitately in this
direction. In any case, PM will assure himself of solid support in armed
forces before making any move. For time being he probably has decided
to do nothing. End Summary.
2. We view King’s chances during Papadopoulos’ tenure as poor,
and even if a transitional government should eventuate, we doubt that
his prospects would improve greatly. Although it is conceivable that
institution of monarchy, embedded as it is in traditions of past 150 years
of Greek independence, may survive in some restricted form, Constantine’s
personal prospects must be considered on different basis in
light of his role before 1967 coup, in abortive counter-coup of December
1967, and legitmate apprehension that were he to return he could
again present obstacle to independent course charted by Prime
Minister.
3. We have been inclined to believe preponderant evidence supported
conclusion that immediate interests of present regime were probably
best served by leaving King in Rome, keeping him dangling about
prospect of his possible return to Greece and in this way insuring that
1 Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 594,
Country Files—Middle East, Greece, Vol. III Jan 72–Oct 73. Secret; Exdis.