800.4016 DP/12–345: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State 4
[Received 1:25 p.m.]
1399. Points raised Deptel 1190, November 26 taken up with Director General Foreign Office Melas who already advised by Exindaris, Rome of hostile Italian press comments and of note from Prunas Secretary General Italian Foreign Office, protesting deportations. Melas said Prunas fully aware his structures [strictures?] unfounded and charged his attitude characteristic of that Italian “bad faith” of which Greece has had such long and bitter experience.
Replying specific charges Melas said:
- 1.
- Greece does not propose mass expulsion all Italians but merely deport those here since January 1, 1938 (hence DPS (Displaced Persons) deportable by UNRRA) plus designated list about 3,600 previous residents guilty of anti-Greek activities during war and occupation.
- 2.
- This decision long since communicated Italian Government (Prunas) and Swiss Legation here (which informed listed persons) with warning measure would be executed first available transport and advance notice specific date impossible due lack shipping schedules. Prunas raised no objections.
- 3.
- Nevertheless local affected Italians made no preparations depart with result that of 300 rounded up Athens October 31 for November 1 sailing 144 pleaded unpreparedness and were not obliged depart by Greeks. Thus also illustrating falseness charge Greek callousness.
- 4.
- Deportees were treated with utmost consideration (though isolated “mistakes” always possible) and were allowed take all movable goods remaining effects being inventoried and sequestered but not “confiscated”. Deportees were not searched despite Greek knowledge some carrying smuggled gold.
- 5.
- Deportees departed willingly convinced repatriation Italy best way avoid consequences war and build better future.
- 6.
- Deportees this month total about 1,400 ex-Patras and 156 ex-Athens.
Comment: Point 6 confirmed by Swiss and UNRRA. On remainder would say 3,600 “objectionable” pre-1938 Italians is in fact [Page 355] very high percentage all Italian residents, estimated something over 4,800 (mytel 884, August 21.5) However, majority Italians here undoubtedly sided with their countrymen during unprovoked and brutal occupation. Embassy reliably informed police limitation on personal effects was one suitcase but two or three were often tolerated in fact. Controversy over details were [will?] doubtless continue but believe expressions interest by this Embassy and UNRRA may help insure humane attitude in future.