868.00/6–448: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
985. References in Markos May 31 broadcast (mytel 964, June 2) to “foreign interference,” “foreign imperialists and native plutocrats,” “murder and slaughter committed by Monarcho-Fascism,” “traitors of Athens,” “Anglo-American masters” as well as stipulation for cessation of “foreign interference” preclude formal consideration being given to such proposals.
Second Markos statement June 2 (mytel 977, June 31) suggests Communist propaganda line will be progressively to portray “proposals” as sincere with Greek “Monarcho-Fascists” responsible for refusing allegedly reasonable offer to cease fratricidal bloodshed. Significant that Greek word used was “synthikologisis” principal meaning of which is unquestionably “capitulation” and that broadcast refers to “proposals” as “peaceful,” “serious,” “very sincere,” “honest” laying blame for their frustration on “Anglo-Americans” while accusing Tsaldaris and Sophoulis of preferring “to obey foreign advice instead of answering.”
[Page 102]Present gesture may be prelude to Soviet-sponsored move in UN to intervene to stop hostilities in Greece in line with current Soviet “peace” programs. Such move would be best evidence of guerrilla weakness and of consequent Soviet desire to salvage as much as possible from impending defeat while continuing efforts by “peaceful” means to bring Greece into position of Czechoslovakia. I trust US will take strong and clear position toward any such Soviet maneuver in international sphere. Parallel may be drawn between Markos present “proposals” and Soviets recent distortion of Smith–Molotov conversations; we should be equally categorical in reaffirming that we are leading from strength not weakness and do not intend to be deterred from firm course.
For present Embassy believes decision of Greek Government not to make formal statement in reply (mytel 979, June 32) unless eventual unfavorable world press reaction should require it may be interpreted as sign of strength. June 3 Markos broadcast indicated that government’s failure to make formal comment is point which hurt most. Some alarm caused in Greek political circles by VOA broadcast (mytel 982, June 32) as indicating possible American intentions in direction of appeasement. I continue to hold views expressed my despatch 552, May 152 that eventual amnesty offer may be feasible and desirable at moment when Greek national forces on point of finally crushing rebellion but not before.
If Communist propaganda successful in arousing world opinion at Greek refusal consider terms for cessation of warfare, I hope Department may find occasion point out that “proposals” couched in violent and insulting language, emanating from Communist bandits in rebellion against duly constituted government of Greece, and stipulating withdrawal of British and US assistance, consequence of which would be to leave Greece at mercy of Communist bands, cannot be regarded as indicating sincere desire for peace.