875.01/11–1245: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14—2:09 p.m.]
1287. Prime Minister called on me this morning. Said was receiving all yesterday angry delegations protesting provisional recognition Albania. Was able resist demands public meetings but said feels language American note99 when known here sure excite increased bitterness. This connection read me contents note as received by him this morning praising alleged Albanian resistance Italy and part played by Albanians in expulsion Germans. Said every Greek who fought in Albania (including self) knows that whole battalions Albanians sided Italy against Greece and that it was not local resistance which forced Germans to retire. [Apparent garble] though he unadvised, can understand possible international reasons for recognition but indicated likelihood wave anti-US feeling this country already deeply disillusioned by preferences shown Italy and lack interest in claimed sufferings of Greek minority Albania. Said feels some good effect Greek opinion possible if US should add to prerequisites of recognition that must be satisfied not by assurances only that minorities properly treated.
[The Greek Government instructed its Embassy in Washington to report to the Department of State in a memorandum of November 17, 1945, the deep grief of both the Greek Government and nation over the United States note of November 10, which had indicated the readiness of the United States to commence diplomatic relations with the Hoxha regime in Albania. The oppressions and molestations of this regime against the Greek populace in Northern Epirus had already been given detailed description in many recent communications, and the Greek Government felt apprehensive especially now if the approaching elections in Northern Epirus should result in a false impression gaining ground of the true sentiments of the population there. Other points in the United States note had also aroused concern. The Greek Government in consequence would welcome receiving assurance from the United States that the proposed recognition, and the holding of elections, would in no way prejudice the claims of Greece to the territory of Northern Epirus.]
- Reference apparently is to note to Col. Gen. Enver Hoxha, published November 10, regarding the proposal of the United States to recognize his regime as the provisional government of Albania, vol. iv, p. 67. For statement to the Press by the Department of State on November 10, with text of note to the Hoxha government, see Department of State Bulletin, November 11, 1945, p. 767.↩