868.00/9–3046: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1—12:40 a.m.]
1307. In reply to Department’s request for my views contained in its telegram 1232 of September 27,84 I would say that in my belief, while deteriorating situation along northern Greek frontier may be regarded as due to basic racial antagonisms and conflicting territorial aspirations of longstanding [character?] with mutual recriminations merely case of pot calling kettle black, such view is only superficial. Greek policy since liberation has consistently been to avoid conflict with northern neighbors despite expansionist agitation of extreme Right if only because of hopelessness of Greek armed forces opposing ten times their number. Policy has even been to observe almost humiliating caution and restraint (see mytel 1100 of August 2285) while placing hopes for satisfaction of claims in Peace Conference and UNO. On other hand, no such pacific and conciliatory attitude evidenced by Soviet puppets. Though alleged proofs of their official complicity in border incidents may still be held inconclusive, presence of overwhelming forces facing Greek frontier and widespread activity of NOF agents in Greek Macedonia are established facts. Furthermore, incidents themselves, as reported by Greek, British and United States military and other sources, appear almost uniformly as provocations from across border, possibly aimed at exciting such reaction as would tend to support Soviet claim that Greece is menace to peace. Add continued [Page 227] anti-Greek Moscow propaganda and secret Soviet control of Greek Communist party (See my despatch No. 3044 of August 2786) which now developing increased subversive activity especially in north and last, but not least, Soviet veto of UNO investigation for which Greeks only too anxious and conclusion seems inevitable that Soviet Government in final analysis must be “assigned responsibility for continued strife”.
Soviet aims in this connection can be better estimated by Department than by an observer in Greece. However, it appears here that Russia, now in control of Adriatic entrance through her domination of Albania, aims at similar control of North Aegean by backing Yugoslav and Bulgarian puppets in their claims to territory on that sea. World wide propaganda on the part of Soviet and fellow travelers to get rid of inconvenience of British troops (see Manchester Guardian’s editorial quoted in London’s telegram 8470 of September 27,86 repeated Athens as 120) may perhaps be interpreted as preparatory in this connection as also the propaganda directed against Greek Government as menacing, monarcho-Fascist, and collaborationist, and the attempted subversion of all law and order in this country, particularly in north. On the basis of present indications, I see no reason to change view expressed during my recent consultations in Washington with many officials of Department (see also conclusion to my despatch No. 2880 of July 5, 194687) that British withdrawal will not long precede an invitation from “persecuted democrats” of Macedonia to their Yugoslav and Bulgarian brethren to “come over into Macedonia and help us”. My Turkish colleague expressed similar view the other day when he said that if British withdraw, a Yugoslav Army Corps will be in Salonika “within 24 hours”. What can best be done to prevent such an eventuality would seem to be to give full publicity to any evidence of preparation for it and I feel that no opposition from whatever source should be allowed to stand in the way of impartial investigation and complete revelation of facts.
[Secretary Byrnes and Mr. Matthews conversed with Mr. Dragoumis as Acting Head of the Greek delegation and with Ambassador Diamantopoulos on October 1 at Paris on a number of subjects. That part of the discussion dealing with the economic situation in Greece was summarized in Mr. Matthews’ memorandum as follows: “In conclusion the Greeks discussed the seriousness from the economic point of view of the situation in Greece as set forth in the recent message from Prime Minister Tsaldaris which had been [Page 228] sent to the Secretary. They said that the rural population in the north is so convinced that Greece is about to be invaded by Albania and Yugoslavia that the farmers are leaving their fields when they should be preparing for the next crop and there is a great rush of population to the cities. This is being accompanied by a flight from the drachma and a great demand for gold pounds. The Greek Government is very seriously concerned lest all the economic progress made in recent months will be lost. The Secretary said he was aware of the seriousness of the situation and expressed his deep regret over these developments.” For the rest of the memorandum, see volume III, page 614. The Prime Minister’s message of September 16 is printed in volume IV, page 862.]
- Not printed; this telegram, sent also to Belgrade, Tirana, and Sofia, requested all available information and documents regarding incidents along the northern Greek frontier, including views as to responsibility for the continued strife. The telegram was repeated to New York, Paris (for the Secretary of State), London, Moscow, and Ankara. (868.00/9–2746) Mr. Byrnes, directed, in telegram 4882, September 29, 1946, 1 p.m., from Paris, that the replies of Athens, Belgrade, Tirana, and Sofia be repeated to him in view of the general importance of the present difficulties in Greece and their bearing on the over-all European situation (868.00/9–2946).↩
- Not printed; it advised of receipt by the Greek Foreign Office of a very violent note from the Yugoslav Legation, claiming that a Yugoslav vessel had been intentionally damaged by Greek gunfire and demanding instant investigation. The telegram noted also that the Yugoslav Minister had been recalled because of the incident and continuing Greek statements and press attacks on Yugoslav leaders. A Greek Foreign Office spokesman was reported as having expressed regret to the Minister about his departure, emphasizing that there had not been sufficient time to investigate the vessel incident and that his Government had done everything consistent with freedom of the press concerning attacks on Yugoslav leaders. (760H.68/8–2246)↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed.↩
- Not printed; the subject of the despatch was internationally sponsored violence on the Yugoslav border of Greece (760H.68/7–546).↩