740.0011 European War 1939/9171: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany (Morris) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:30 p.m.]
1022. In official and diplomatic circles here there is general belief that German-Greek relations are rapidly approaching a crisis which may result in military action if German diplomatic pressure on Athens fails to achieve the desired end in the near future. This opinion has been strengthened by reports in the last few days of heavy troop movements to the southeast, the refusal of the spokesman at the Foreign Office to comment on German-Greek relations which he has heretofore consistently described as normal and the general feeling that opening of German spring offensive will not be much longer delayed. It is also stated in usually well-informed circles that Berlin desires to have the entire Balkan situation well in hand before the Japanese-Soviet talks49 in connection with Matsuoka’s50 visit are opened.
- See vol. iv, pp. 913–969, passim.↩
- Yosuke Matsuoka, Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩