740.0011 European War 1939/8801: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Greece (MacVeagh)
83. Your 113, March 3, 6 p.m. and 117, March 4, 2 p.m. For the Minister’s personal information only. According to the American Military Attaché in Cairo, Eden, during his visit to Greece, was able to persuade the King of Greece to permit British intervention there. It is planned to send to Greece from Africa 7 or 8 divisions, including 2 armored divisions. The troops are already moving to embarkation points rapidly. All available air squadrons in Egypt and the Sudan will be rushed to Greece, and the British Air Force there at present will be about doubled.
General Wilson, who will be in command of British forces in Greece, intends to fly there immediately, traveling incognito. He [Page 657] plans to have an operating force ready in Greece very soon. The attitude of General Wavell towards this expedition is optimistic. He claims to desire only a hard-striking, fast-moving corps able to move by land to secure Salonika. Rapidity of movement has been determined upon to assure surprise. It is admitted that the plan involves much risk, and justification is found in the favorable public reaction expected.
The seizure of the Dodecanese may be accepted as an alternative if the British forces are not able to land in Greece.
You will appreciate the extremely confidential nature of this information.