File No. 763.72/2782

The Consul at Saloniki ( Kehl ) to the Secretary of State

No. 270

Sir: With reference to enclosed confirmation copy of my cipher cable dated the 3d instant,1 I have the honor to report the following supplementary information:

Characterized as a military necessity for the greater safety of the Allied armies in Macedonia, a state of siege was proclaimed on Saturday, June 3d, by General Sarrail of the French Army, Commander in Chief of the Entente forces in Greece. The announcement of the action taken, served on General Moschopoulos, Commander the Third Greek Army Corps, and Mr. Jean Athenogenes, Prefect of Saloniki, read as follows:

I have the honor to bring to your attention that I have declared a state of siege for the whole of Macedonia dating from to-day.

Saloniki , June 3, 1916 . Sarrail

Within three hours after the presentation of this notification, the prefecture, the customhouse, the port, the post office, the telegraph office, the wireless office, police headquarters, and the headquarters of the commander of the Greek gendarmerie, were occupied by the armed forces of the Allies—French, British, and Serbian. At the post office there was a passive display of resistance. Immediately detachments of French infantry and cavalry surrounded the building. Shortly after, however, a formal order was received by the Greek guard from their own commandant, and they retired, leaving the post and telegraph office in the hands of the French gendarmerie. In connection with the seizure of the telegraph office, as well as the wireless station, the French military authorities cut all wires with a view to keeping Athens in the dark for a day or so regarding the activities of the Entente military authorities in Saloniki. While the French authorities were thus engaged, however, the director of the Greek telegraph service managed to send a launch to the Greek wireless station at Ekaterina [Katerini?], south of Saloniki, in advance of the Entente authorities, and the Greek Government was advised of the action of the Entente military authorities in occupying the city.

Colonel Troupakis, commander of the Greek, gendarmerie, Major Nikdroites, chief of police, and M. Loussis, chief inspector of post and [Page 39] telegraphs, were immediately relieved from their functions and were replaced by French army officers.

Although this move was not wholly unexpected, particularly since the occupation of Fort Rupel by the Bulgars, there is considerable criticism that the name day of the King of Greece, one of the most popular of fête days, should have been chosen for the event. The city was gayly decorated; a Te Deum, military parade, concert, and torchlight parade were scheduled. The Te Deum and festivities were canceled by the Greek authorities as soon as they were aware of the activities of the Entente military authorities.

On May 26 last, German and Bulgarian soldiers occupied Fort Rupel, a Greek fortification north of Demir-Hissar, without resistance on the part of the Greeks. The Greek forces retired to Demir-Hissar during the same day. This incident was bitterly resented by the Allies and may be accepted as the prime factor in hastening the inevitable formal occupation of Greek Macedonia by the Entente military authorities.

During the early morning of June 3, numerous French, British, and Serbian patrols were distributed throughout the city. On the outskirts of the town, cavalry and artillery were in readiness. In fact the greater part of the forces of the Allies garrisoned in and around Saloniki were under marching orders. Shortly before noon, twelve armored motor cars were distributed through the principal parts of the city.

It is more than likely that the Allies will tighten their grip on Macedonia and will eventually release every Greek official in charge of an important office. Although the “zone of operation of the Allies” has been clearly defined, its boundaries have long since been violated, and the operations of the Allies now extend over the whole of Macedonia.

I have [etc.]

John E. Kehl
  1. Ante, p. 33.