740.00119 E.W./11–2444
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 5.]
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, in translation from the French, a letter from the Greek Prime Minister enclosing a copy of his letter to the British Ambassador, dated November 10, 1944, setting forth the views of the Greek Government on the Bulgarian armistice terms.59
Mr. Papandreou expresses himself forcefully concerning Bulgarian treachery and states that the Greek Government is “firmly resolved to obtain territorial guarantees which will assure absolute security to Greece”, and encloses the statement of ten points which the Greek Government “considers itself obliged to insist be taken into consideration by an amendment of the armistice terms”.
The ten points, for which the Greek Government believes the armistice should make specific provision, may be summarized briefly as follows:
- 1.
- Prompt demobilization of the Bulgarian Army.
- 2.
- Disarmament of Bulgaria.
- 3.
- Payment of repatriation expenses of Greeks transported to Bulgaria and refugees who fled from the Bulgarians to other parts of Greece. (Addition to Article 4.)
- 4.
- Restoration of losses and repair of damages caused apart from acts of war. (Addition to Article 9.)
- 5.
- Indemnity for damages caused by Bulgarian irregulars, Comitadjis and civilians.
- 6.
- Exchange of Bulgarian money held by inhabitants of former occupied areas for its pre-occupation equivalent.
- 7.
- Greek representation on Allied Control Commission.
- 8.
- Immediate delivery, in addition to foodstuffs (par. 1 of protocol to armistice terms) of farm machines, tools, fuel, grain and other products needed for farming, and means of transport.
- 9.
- Penalties for non-fulfillment of armistice terms.
- 10.
- Acceptance in advance by Bulgaria of all Allied decisions concerning territorial changes or other clauses necessary to establish peace and security in the Balkans.
However much the Greeks may be divided politically there is little question of the unanimity of their feeling of bitterness against their [Page 491] hereditary enemies, the Bulgars. The views of the Liberal party as expressed by its leader, Themistocles Sophoulis in his letter to me (see my Despatch No. 273 of November 10, 1944) are in close agreement with those of Mr. Papandreou submitted herewith.
In acknowledging receipt of the Prime Minister’s communication I made no comment on the contents and assured him that I would transmit the text to my Government, as requested.
Respectfully yours,
- Enclosures not printed.↩