868.00/1–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Winant ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 13—10:50 a.m.]
451. Following is text of a statement issued from 10 Downing Street last night, as carried by the press this morning, concerning the truce Greece:25
“The terms signed by the British and ELAS representatives for a truce are endorsed by H M Government. The taking and holding of hostages is however a barbarous custom condemned by international law. H M Government must make it clear therefore that no truce can be enduring or ripen into peace unless or until the hostages taken by ELAS have been effectively safeguarded and released.”
- In telegram 46, January 12, 1945, the Ambassador in Greece had reported, in part: “Renewed negotiations between General Scobie and ELAS representatives resulted in the issuance late last night of communiqué by British headquarters stating that ‘in order that discussions may take place between the Greek Government and representatives of ELAS/EAM for settlement of outstanding questions … hostilities will cease at 1 AM on January 15, 1945.’” (868.00/1–1245)↩