868.00/11–2346
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 23—11:38 a.m.]
1628. Mytel 1622, November 22.53 Transformation of bandit forces in north Greece into self-declared “army” represents no change in military situation since coordination as well as excellent training and equipment these forces has been evident for some time. Change, however, may have considerable propaganda importance as tending to place bandit activity on “civil war” level while name “Republican Army” recalling the Irish Republican Army seems well calculated to appeal to anti-British sentiment particularly in US. Furthermore, now that bandits can be called by more respectable name Department should perhaps be prepared for same type of foreign press “information” in their regard as concealed so long and so effectively the Communist control and motivation of EAM.
[Here follows an account of bandit activities.]
Repeated Belgrade.
- Not printed.↩