JANUARY 9, 1952
REGARDING IDEA: The government (of Nikolaos Plastiras and Sophocles Venizelos), via its defense minister, Mr Alexandros Sakellariou, is trying to speed up the investigation into the attempted coup of May 30, 1951, which occurred right after the resignation of Field Marshal Papagos as commander in chief. Yesterday, it was reported that the US ambassador, Mr John Peurifoy, concerned that these actions by the government could disrupt discipline within the ranks, at a recent meeting with Plastiras and Venizelos advised them to maintain peace by discontinuing the investigation and by generally making an effort to allow the army to get on with its job. This report, however, was denied by the US Embassy. Moreover, during a statement made last night, Deputy Prime Minister Venizelos also denied the report. (…) Yesterday, Messrs Plastiras, Venizelos and Sakellariou went to the palace at the invitation of the king, who, as was later announced, asked to be briefed in his capacity as commander in chief on the course of the investigation into the military organization known as IDEA and the alleged instigators of the events of May 30, 1951. «It is obvious that we do not bow to pressure,» Simitis said, in reference to the US news report and frequent American calls for progress in the pursuit of the November 17 terrorist gang, none of whose members has been captured in the 26 years of the group’s activity. «I believe as well that the USA realizes that we will not accept pressure,» Simitis said.
