Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
Greece - US Department of State
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<strong>Greece</strong> 703<br />
275. Telegram From the Embassy in <strong>Greece</strong> to the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>State</strong> 1<br />
Athens, April 11, 1970, 1244Z.<br />
1747. For the Secretary and Dpty Asst Sec Davies (NEA). Subject:<br />
Signs <strong>of</strong> Constitutional progress in <strong>Greece</strong>. Ref: Athens 1342 and 1613. 2<br />
I wish to invite your particular attention to our telegram 1743 <strong>of</strong><br />
April 10 3 reporting Prime Minister Papadopoulos’ announcement that<br />
key Article 10 <strong>of</strong> Constitution on habeas corpus is now in force and<br />
laying down specific timetable for completion by end <strong>of</strong> year <strong>of</strong> laws<br />
necessary fully to implement the Constitution and thus open way for<br />
ultimate elections. This represents concrete response to one <strong>of</strong> points<br />
(Athens 1342, para e) I urged upon him in my confidential message <strong>of</strong><br />
some weeks ago. It also reinforces validity <strong>of</strong> basic course <strong>of</strong> action recommended<br />
in my March 31 report on <strong>Greece</strong> for the President which<br />
you have doubtless already seen. 4 As noted in my recent telegram no.<br />
1613 <strong>of</strong> April 4, it further strengthens my conviction that we must not<br />
be deflected by temporary setbacks and aberrations arising from GOG<br />
actions from our central aim <strong>of</strong> pressing Papadopoulos to move ahead<br />
with implementing the Constitution. While I realize that this progress<br />
may be erratic and not always as clear cut as might be desired, we have<br />
no feasible policy alternative, in my view, but to continue along course<br />
<strong>of</strong> keeping the Government’s nose firmly to the Constitutional grandstone.<br />
The Prime Minister’s April 10 move encourages me to believe<br />
that ultimately we can be successful.<br />
Tasca<br />
1<br />
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 593,<br />
Country Files, Middle East, <strong>Greece</strong>, Vol. I, Jan 69–Oct 70 Secret; Exdis. Another copy is<br />
ibid., RG 59, Central Files 1970–73, POL GREECE.<br />
2<br />
In telegram 1342 from Athens, March 23, Tasca reported that Papadopoulos had<br />
told him that he might send a personal message to Nixon. (Ibid., POL GREECE–<strong>US</strong>) For<br />
the message, see Document 274. In telegram 1613 from Athens, April 4, Tasca reported<br />
he was having doubts about “this strange and inept government,” particularly in light<br />
<strong>of</strong> its prosecution and conviction <strong>of</strong> the publisher, editor, and managing editor <strong>of</strong> Ethnos.<br />
Tasca stated that this case, while not conclusive evidence <strong>of</strong> political retrogression,<br />
suggested that the United <strong>State</strong>s should support Greek moderates and lean harder on<br />
the government to achieve constitutional progress. (Ibid., POL GREECE)<br />
3<br />
Not printed. (Ibid., POL 29 GREECE)<br />
4<br />
Document 273.