868.00/838: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 27—3:20 p.m.]
59. After consulting with my French and British colleagues, who regard the situation as very serious, and ascertaining that both have made formal representations on instructions from their governments, I saw the Foreign Minister this morning and advised him as follows:
“I have reason to believe that should the ex-Premiers and political leaders now on trial be shot it would create an unfortunate impression on the vast public opinion of my country which it would take years to eradicate.”
He replied “I think I can assure you that there will be no question of such a thing”, but also indicated that this applies only to the more important figures. As he appears to be more closely connected than other members of the Government with the rabid group now controlling policy in this matter, and indeed tried to put off my visit for several days, I have taken the precaution of letting the Premier know of my démarche so that the Foreign Minister may not keep it secret until too late, if such is his intention.
The consensus of opinion in Athens today points to there being little hope for Gonatas while the situation of Caphandaris and Papanastasiou remains extremely critical. In suggesting that the Department give publicity to this state of affairs I am mindful that some of the accused have influential friends in the United States who would wish to be informed and who might give moral support to the authorities here by telegrams before it is too late. I happen to know that ex-Ambassador Morgenthau5 for example is a personal friend of Papanastasiou.
- Henry Morgenthau, Ambassador to Turkey, 1913–16; Chairman of the Greek Refugee Settlement Commission, 1923.↩