765.68/290: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 30—10:55 a.m.]
218. The Premier confirmed to me today that Italy has made no formal demands on Greece and that there is a lessening of tension between the two countries. He refused to be drawn into any predictions as to future developments in this matter saying merely that Greece is no longer placing any faith in Italian assurances and remains ready to defend herself to “the last man, the last woman, the last child”. In regard to what has already happened he said he thought Italy had begun her campaign in mistaken contempt of Greece’s morale and capacities but that the Germans have understood these better adding that “the Germans say they have exerted their influence for the preservation of peace”. He avoided a possible question as to Greece’s reported request for intercession in Berlin, see my telegram No. 214, [Page 541] August 26, 9 p.m., by saying regarding his relations with the German Minister here that “Greece is no beggar”. When I suggested that he might soon be invited to Vienna to settle Albanian claims he said that counterclaims would naturally come up at such a conference and asked if I thought the Italians would wish to discuss the very large number of Greeks in Albania and the question of the Dodecanese.