868.00/913: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—11 a.m.]
165. I was informed today by the Director General of the Foreign Office that the King will reenter Athens on the 17th of November and that diplomats “unfortunately” could not be invited to attend the ceremonies in advance of recognition but that Greek Legations abroad would soon request foreign governments to provide their representatives with new letters of credence.
The above indicates that the approaching plebiscite is expected only to legalize decisions already taken. All leading Republicans are under surveillance and Papanastasiou and Papandreou have been ordered deported to the Islands. Martial law has been raised but a strong decree provides for sanctions against the press or individuals for words or actions tending to disturb the existing regime.