740.0011 European War 1939/6591: Telegram
The Minister in Sweden (Sterling) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:55 p.m.]
1032. Regarding invasion of Greece: In opinion of Foreign Office, based on its reports from Continent, it came to ears of Mussolini some weeks ago that Hitler was offering French Morocco to Franco and at same time assuring Laval that no further territorial concessions would be demanded of France. This so angered Mussolini that since he had continuously received reports from his Minister at Athens that Greeks would offer absolutely no resistance, he decided on immediate invasion, expecting to face Hitler at their meeting in Florence with a fait accompli. Unlooked for stand of Greek Army and people has for moment set Axis collaboration awry and much annoyed Hitler who desired a status quo in Balkans.