740.0011 European War 1939/9353: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 27—6:40 a.m.]
165. Yugoslavia’s defection52 and particularly the information that she will permit the passage of war material through her territory has frightened Greek public opinion and obviously depressed the military here both British and Greek. However, I found the Premier this morning in a very determined mood. He said: “Greece’s policy does not change. We made our decision on October 28 and with British aid shall defend our country. Even if the British were not with us we should do the same”. He said that Germany has still made no démarche here but he expects her to do so momentarily. He expressed complete disillusion regarding Turkey’s attitude saying that she sends messages praising Greek firmness but nothing more.
Convoys continue to arrive at Piraeus and the Turkish Military Attaché estimates there are now 120,000 British in Greece. Major Baker estimates 80,000 and the discrepancy reveals the extent of the secrecy being observed by the British command. Estimates to date have had to be founded on eye witness observation within narrow limits of circulation. The competent authorities have promised to give this Mission more favorable treatment later but meanwhile Major Baker has at last received Greek permission to go north and left for Salonika by automobile this morning.
Travelers reaching here from Macedonia continue to report no British in any numbers east of the Vardar and add that ammunition dumps and motor parks are being established in the mountains north of Olympus. Since Yugoslavia has joined the Axis it now appears more than ever unlikely that serious defense will be attempted east of that region. Similarly the right flank of the Greek Army in Albania may have to be unhooked from the Yugoslav border and withdrawn southeast but the spokesman of the Greek staff would not discuss the matter yesterday.