740.0011 European War 1939/10449: Telegram

The Chargé in Germany ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State

1640. German reports on the occupation of Athens assert that except for desultory fighting in the vicinity the Greek capital was occupied without a struggle and that it had not been either bombed or machine gunned from the air. The surrender was arranged on the Greek side by the Civil Governor and the Mayor. Much is made of the statement that the Greek flag is flying alongside of the Nazi flag on the Acropolis. On the other hand much damage is reported as having been inflicted by air bombardment on the Piraeus and it is claimed that the wrecks of 5 transport ships of about 3000 tons each and 1 of 7000 tons lie in the harbor. The only mention of the number of British prisoners is a report that 900 British soldiers were captured by parachute troops near Corinth.

Morris