868.00/6–248: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
964. Following is complete text “declaration of provisional democratic government” as broadcast by Andarte1 radio telegraph 7:30 p. m., May 31 and repeated on 9:30 Voice broadcast:
“Provisional democratic government of Greece makes the following declaration:
“Provisional democratic government is always ready accept and encourage any initiative from any side which aims at helping Greece find itself and tranquility. One condition: that democratic life of people be unreservedly secured, that national independence and autonomy be insured without any foreign interference, and that people alone and free may decide their future. Provisional democratic government is ready make, in that direction, every concession which national and popular interest allows. It is time bloodshed, which only foreign imperialists and the native plutocrats desire, stops in Greece. It is time murder and slaughter committed by Monarcho-Fascism stops. Popular democratic movement in our country never aimed nor does it today aim at exclusive domination by force. It always ready discuss any proposal for good of the people of country. But democratic army of Greece holds its arms firmly with full confidence in itself and its power, which originates from people. The concern we express above for tranquility of Greece shows our patriotic attachment and power.
“Traitors of Athens will discover they were mistaken if they interpret this as weakness. As they failed in Roumell, so they will fail wherever they try to strike us. DAG is many times stronger this year than last; it is able proceed resolutely to its task, that is, liberation of Greece. We desirous of stopping bloodshed in Greece because it is the people’s blood, our own blood. In case, however, Monarcho-Fascism does not show willingness stop bloodshed, we have power to impose [Page 101] upon it and upon its Anglo-American masters the solution which is in interest of people and Greece.”
Sent Department as 964; pouched Salonika.
- Insurgents.↩