868.00/7–947: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
1078. Following my conversation with Rendis (my telegram 1040, July 7) Sophoulis visited Prime Minister. According to latter who called on me early this morning no conclusions were reached on political collaboration owing continued Sophoulis insistence on premiership. However in regard EAM proposals it was agreed that while Government cannot enter into negotiations with persons in arms against state EAM might be advised Government willing grant general amnesty under international observation if rebels lay down arms. It was also agreed that no undertaking could be accepted in this matter from EAM which is simply front for Communists but only with KKE (Communist Party of Greece) which alone is capable of furnishing assurance that rebels will in fact depose weapons. Maximos said that neither he or Sophoulis have any idea Communists likely accept such terms but Sophoulis urged opportunity be given them in order to “unmask” them definitely. Today’s press reports gist of above as Government’s position and Maximos said he will see Sophoulis again and try to get him to convey message to EAM if as he fears it proves impossible secure acceptable third party as intermediary.
Meanwhile in view of possible sudden recurrence of problem of arresting Communist leaders and organizers I had conveyed Department’s views (Department’s telegram 967, July 3) to Prime Minister by letter July 5. This he read to Council of Ministers last night when security and military chiefs again pressed matter. While giving assurances that nobody would be arrested except on basis of fully established record of engaging in subversive activity or conspiracy and not for mere political beliefs all competent ministers declared arrests immediately imperative in view overwhelming evidence of Communist coup being planned Athens before arrival AMAG and refused accept further responsibility for safety of Government or public unless given permission act. PriMin therefore conceded authority proceed. Authorities in charge are Minister of War (Stratos) Navy (Venizelos) Air (Cannelopoulos and Public Order (Zervas) with addition Ventiris (Chief of Army General Staff).
[Here follows information that some 2,500–3,000 persons had been arrested, beginning at 2 a. m., July 9. Ambassador MacVeagh concluded his message with his opinion that the EAM proposals were being made “chiefly to confuse foreign opinion while subversive sentiment being worked up locally to dangerous heights.”]