868.01/12–1444: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—3:04 p.m.]
1759. Situation in Greece as of December 9 has been reported to AFHQ by British Ambassador as follows:
“In recent operations we have definitely defeated the enemy’s main objective. This was to seize the small area around Constitution Square comprising the seat of the Government and in which members of the Government themselves are at present forced to live. Starting from this central area, the general plan has been to occupy strong points and to clear up systematically an increasing area from the center of the city outwards.
It will be realized that consolidation of the new positions throughout a town of the size of Athens–Piraeus is a very difficult business. We are fighting an enemy 90% of whom are in civilian clothes and many of whom are practised in this kind of warfare from German times. When a block of houses has been ‘cleared’ and our troops pass on to the next block, it is easy for enemy personnel to infiltrate back especially at night and start once more to open fire from ‘cleared’ buildings. The Germans faced with a similar problem dealt with it by shooting large numbers of hostages. Short of using such terrorist tactics or of destroying a large number of buildings in the town, comparatively large numbers of troops are needed to hold and police all areas cleared.
It says a great deal for the stamina and special qualities of our available forces that in 5 days’ fighting they have been able to do so much. At the same time a layman, reviewing the general situation up to date in the light of its political implications, is faced with the following state of affairs: The general strike continues; the strike of civil servants has paralyzed the governmental method with the partial [Page 154] exception of the Foreign Office and Ministry of War; no unloading is taking place; all utilities except water and part of the telephone have ceased; all but a very few shops are shut; the road to Piraeus and to the only operating airport at Kalamai can only be safely negotiated in an armoured car; most of Piraeus is in rebel hands; sporadic firing interrupts all safe circulation through the streets; the food situation is becoming serious.”
Military report of December 13 indicates situation in Athens-Piraeus area shows little improvement and there is considerable ELAS movement towards center of city. General infiltration of ELAS continues, reinforcements arriving by air, and EAF continuing sorties over the area in support of ground troops.
In Salonika dock workers have declared strike and opposing forces are preparing for showdown. Salonika radio is broadcasting anti-British news but over unpopular wave length. British naval forces state situation at Mitylene is very delicate and they are recommending that military forces should be sent as soon as possible to stabilize the situation.