868.00/837: Telegram

The Minister in Greece ( MacVeagh ) to the Secretary of State

58. Department’s 26, April 25, 5 p.m. The trial of the former Premiers and political leaders is continuing over the Greek Easter with every sign of being a travesty of justice with the death penalty decided on for at least a number of the defendants. At the same time a rigid military censorship prevents anything like a true picture of affairs reaching foreign countries. Since the fanatical, vengeful and irresponsible group in control thus seems to fear foreign opinion which might strengthen the Government in its stand for moderation, [Page 494] perhaps the Department would consider letting its information be known to the press. The British Minister has telegraphed his Government suggesting that questions be asked in Parliament in order that a full exposé may quickly reach the widest possible public.

I expect to act shortly on the authorization given me in the Department’s telegram number 26. I feel also that it might strengthen the Government’s hand if the Greek representative in Washington should be made to realize the “unfortunate impression” mentioned in that telegram.

MacVeagh