740.0011 European War 1939/3270: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:25 p.m.]
1487. My 1027, April 17, 7 p.m.,5 last paragraph. Within the past 24 hours there has been an intensification of the anxiety in Greek circles here as to the possibility of imminent action on the part of Italy with regard to Greece, and I understand that this feeling is largely due to an intimation received from German sources to the effect that unless the Greek Government gives immediately some manifestation of a disassociation from its previous pro-Ally attitude, Italy will move to establish a protectorate over Greece.
[Page 528]According to this information, it is not clear whether military action is intended forthwith or whether demands in the form of an ultimatum may be presented to Greece as a preliminary step. In Greek circles this intimation is being connected with the rumors of an Italian move through Switzerland (see my 1465, May 22, 4 p.m.6) and the impression prevails in the same circles that such a move also may be preceded by a presentation to France by Italy of demands in the form of an ultimatum.
Repeated to Rome.