740.00115 European War 1939/1630
The Greek Minister (Diamantopoulos) to the Secretary of State
Excellency: As the Department of State is aware a number of Greeks from the Islands of the Dodecanese entered the United States as Italian subjects. Today, after the declaration of war against Italy, these not only are considered by the American authorities as Italian citizens but they are dismissed from their employment where they had been engaged and have to endure many annoyances due to the fact that they are considered as enemy subjects.
[Page 830]Anticipating such a situation, the Greek Government has authorized this Legation since last June to provide the above people with any certificates or identification papers which might be of some help to them in the present circumstances.
Since this Legation know that the true feelings of these persons are strongly anti-Italian, I should highly appreciate if Your Excellency approve of such a course and recommend to the proper authorities to treat these unfortunate persons as leniently as possible.
Accept [etc.]