GREECE RECOGNITION OF THE GREEK GOVERNMENT BY THE UNITED STATES1 711.67/45a: Telegram The Acting Secretary of State to the High Commissioner in Turkey (Bristol) [Extracts] WASHINGTON, January 23, 1924-1 p. m. 17. In a speech to be delivered today January 23, before the Council on Foreign Relations of New York, the Secretary is dealing with recent questions and negotiations and is devoting the concluding half of his speech to the consideration of Near Eastern questions. The Sections relating to the Near East are quoted below in full. Greece. The death of the late King Alexander of Greece was followed in December, 1920, by the return to Athens of Constantine. In accordance with the usual practice in the case of monarchial countries, the Greek representative in Washington tendered new letters of credence the acceptance of which would have constituted formal recognition of the new government. In view of the special circumstances which attended Constantine's return to Athens, it was deemed important, before according recognition, to take into account not only the part that Constantine had played in the war but also the policy of the new regime with regard to the acts and obligations of its predecessor and the attitude of the associates of the United States in the war. With respect to Constantine's attitude toward the engagements of the former Government, there was for a time an uncertainty whether Constantine considered the government of King Alexander as a de jure government. This was important, for if the Government of the United States had extended recognition it might have put itself in a position of acquiescing in a possible review of the acts of King Alexander's Government which had borrowed substantial sums from the United States. It will also be recalled that none of the principal Allied Powers recognized Constantine subsequent to his return. 1 For previous correspondence regarding attitude of United States toward recognition of the Greek Government, see Foreign Relations, 1922, vol. II, pp. 409 ff. 2 Section dealing with Turkey is printed in another extract from this telegram, post, p. 709. 262 So far as the records indicate, these considerations controlled the policy of the United States Government during the period subsequent to Constantine's return and prior to March, 1921. Upon the change of administration the question arose whether there was a sufficient reason for changing this policy and for taking a course of action different from that followed by the Allied Powers. Other considerations had intervened making affirmative action in the matter of recognition undesirable. Constantine developed a militaristic policy in Asia Minor, in which Greece was already engaged, by which he desired to justify his hold upon the throne. Separate action by the United States at this time could hardly have been interpreted otherwise than as an expression of sympathy and support by this Government for this policy of Constantine and as an indirect participation in the politics of the Near East which it was desired to avoid. The wisdom of refusing recognition was indicated by the overthrow of Constantine when Greek military plans in Asia Minor failed, an overthrow which was attended by a complete revolution. It will be recalled that Constantine fled the country and that his prominent supporters and cabinet ministers were arrested and after summary trials were executed. The British Government, which previously had maintained a chargé d'affaires in Athens, although not recognizing Constantine, withdrew this representative, while the representatives of other powers, including that of the United States, took occasion to interpret to the Greek authorities the unfortunate impression which the execution of the Greek ministers had caused. The régime which succeeded that of Constantine was frankly based on military power and did not regularize its position by holding elections. Meanwhile the negotiation of a treaty of peace between the Allied Powers, Greece and Turkey, was undertaken at Lausanne, and it seemed undesirable, pending the conclusion of these negotiations, for the United States to take separate action in the matter of recognition. The situation has now materially changed. The Lausanne negotiations have been concluded, peace has now been ratified by Greece and Turkey, and elections were held in Greece on December 16, 1923. These elections, it is hoped, will result in the establishment of a government which will enable this Government to extend formal recognition. The fact that recognition has not been extended during the past three years does not indicate an attitude of unfriendliness toward the Greek people. What American agencies have done in assisting the refugees in Greece is clear evidence to the contrary, and this humanitarian work could not have been carried out more effectively even if formal relations had been resumed, thanks to the initiative of American agencies and the helpful cooperation of the Greek authorities. PHILLIPS 868.01/196a The Secretary of State to President Coolidge WASHINGTON, January 25, 1924. MY DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: I feel that the time has come to take such action as is possible to resume, on a more formal basis, the diplomatic relations between this country and Greece. On pages 17-19 of my address on January 23d before the Council of Foreign Relations of New York, of which I enclose a copy, I briefly outlined our recent relations with Greece. In concluding I referred to the changed conditions resulting from the conclusion of the Lausanne Treaty and the recent elections in Greece, adding "these elections, it is hoped, will result in the establishment of a government which will enable this Government to extend formal recognition." On January 13th Mr. Atherton, our representative at Athens, was informed by Mr. Roussos, Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, formerly Greek Minister in Washington, of the formation of a Cabinet under the Presidency of Mr. Venizelos. On January 15th the British representative in Athens, under instructions from his government, informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of his Government's pleasure in renewing normal diplomatic relations, adding that his Government hoped shortly to be able to appoint a Minister to Athens and asking that meanwhile he be recognized as Chargé d'Affaires. On January 24th Mr. Atherton telegraphed that the Greek Government had been informed that the British Government was immediately sending a Minister to Athens accredited to the King. The treatment of American interests in Greece by the Greek authorities has been satisfactory. While there are a number of outstanding questions between the two countries, particularly the question of the 1918 Loan Agreement with Greece and the funding of Greek indebtedness to the United States, these are questions which have been held in abeyance in the absence of formal recognition and do not afford at this time adequate ground for withholding recognition. It would be desirable to negotiate a commercial treaty with Greece but this again is a matter which would naturally follow rather than precede recognition. In view of this situation I wish to suggest for your consideration the desirability of resuming, on a formal basis, the relations between the United States and Greece. This could be done by the accrediting to the Greek Government of a Chargé d'Affaires ad interim and by the reception of the Greek Chargé d'Affaires in Washington. No 3 See telegram no. 17, Jan. 23, to the High Commissioner in Turkey, supra. 4 Telegram not printed. change in personnel would be necessary. Mr. Atherton, who has been acting as our representative in Greece, could be instructed to take up formal relations with the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs pending the appointment of a Minister. This action would be similar to that recently taken in the case of Mexico." The appointment of a Minister, in my opinion, should be delayed until Greece has determined the question which is now being agitated as to whether the country shall continue as a Kingdom or become a Republic. The King of Greece has recently left the country pending the decision of this question, a Regent is functioning in his place. The ultimate decision as to the form of government is one with which I feel we should in no way interfere but this does not preclude the resumption of formal relations with the Greek Governinent through a Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, postponing the formal accrediting of a Minister to the head of the State until Greece has herself decided-and Mr. Venizelos has proposed a plebiscite to decide the question-whether there shall be a Kingdom or a Republic. I may add that I consider it particularly important to take whatever action is possible to regularize our relations with Greece before the consideration of the Turkish Treaty is taken up by the Senate and for this as well as for the other reasons outlined above I feel that the resumption of diplomatic relations is desirable. In case you concur in the above recommendation I shall be glad to see that the necessary instructions are sent to the Legation at Athens. I am [etc.] 868.01/197 CHARLES E. HUGHES President Coolidge to the Secretary of State WASHINGTON, January 25, 1924. MY DEAR MR. SECRETARY: The recommendations you make in your communication of January 25th, concerning the relations between this country and Greece, are approved. Very truly yours, CALVIN COOLIDGE 868.01/197: Telegram The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Greece (Atherton) WASHINGTON, January 26, 1924-6 p. m. 13. You are instructed to deliver a formal communication to the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs at noon, Tuesday, January 29, in which you will quote the following letter accrediting you as Chargé 'See Foreign Relations, 1923, vol. II, pp. 522 ff. d'Affaires ad interim of the United States at Athens, from the Secretary of State to Minister Roussos. "Department of State, Washington, January 29, 1924. Excellency: I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Ray Atherton, a Secretary of Legation in the Diplomatic Service of the United States, has been ordered to assume the duties of Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the United States at Athens. I accordingly hereby accredit Mr. Atherton in the foregoing capacity and ask that you will give credence to what he shall say on the part of the Government of the United States. My knowledge of Mr. Atherton's qualifications encourages the hope that he will conduct the affairs of the Legation at Athens in a manner gratifying to the Government of Greece. Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Signed Charles E. Hughes, Secretary of State of the United States of America. To His Excellency, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece." In presenting this communication to the Minister for Foreign Affairs you will request him to accept it as sufficient warrant for your recognition pending receipt of autographed credence which goes to you by first mail for delivery. [Paraphrase.] The action which you are instructed to take will constitute formal recognition of the Greek Government by the United States. The American Government, in accrediting you to the Greek Minister for Foreign Affairs, wishes to avoid interfering in the decision of the constitutional issue at present under consideration in Greece and it is our intention to await the decision on this matter by Greece before accrediting a Minister to the head of the State. If the Greek Government wishes to grant letters of credence to the Greek representative in Washington the Secretary of State will be pleased to receive them. The recognition of the Greek Government will be made public in the morning papers of January 30. [End paraphrase.] HUGHES 868.01/199: Telegram The Chargé in Greece (Atherton) to the Secretary of State 6 [Paraphrase-Extract] ATHENS, January 29, 1924-5 p. m. 29. . . . This morning I delivered letter to Minister for Foreign Affairs. He expressed his gratification and stated that similar instructions would be sent to the Greek Chargé in Washington.' . . . ATHERTON 6 See telegram no. 13, Jan. 26, to the Chargé in Greece, supra. The note verbale from the Greek Chargé presenting his letter of credence to the Secretary of State is dated Feb. 4, 1924 (file no. 701.6811/158). |