740.0011 European War 1939/8871: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:21 p.m.]
327. My 317, March 6, 3 p.m. A member of the German Embassy told a friend of mine today that it was still hoped Mussolini could be dissuaded from proceeding with counter-offensive against the Greeks as Greek Government had already indicated to German Minister in Athens its willingness to meet German terms including the occupation of Greece by German troops provided the conflict with Italy could be settled with honor. He said Turkey had also expressed willingness to adhere to Tripartite Pact if Germany would guarantee Turkish territorial integrity against Russian aggression and added that Yugoslavia “was most desirous” of joining Axis bloc but did not wish to make the concessions to her neighbors which Germany considered necessary. He added that Prince Paul had seen Hitler on March 4 and that he thought Yugoslavia’s position would be agreed upon at a further conference between the two next week.