740.0011 European War 1939/10075: Telegram
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 18—10:18 a.m.]
245. While the Government decided last evening that it would leave tonight, plans are still only in the formative stage, shipping facilities [Page 720] being apparently inadequate for official, private and possibly military needs. Yugoslav Government is still here and more members are expected today. Meanwhile the armies continue to fall back and rumors of disorganization are rife. The Germans appear to have established complete air superiority and reliable news from front is scanty and always delayed.
Under these circumstances chances of a reasonably safe evacuation of Diplomatic Corps appear slim and the Dean who is the Turkish Ambassador has already decided for this reason to stay here whatever happens. I and my small staff are ready to leave at a moment’s notice but am dependent on the Government for arrangements and will not take undue risks.