868.00/6–1248: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State
1066. Embassy found most interesting and useful summaries and views contained Belgrade’s 7081 and 709 June 8,2 especially last paragraph latter telegram stressing importance military aspect and expressing [Page 106] opinion military situation Greece is key to Balkan situation and that only through military success can first phase be successfully terminated.
We agree fully with this appraisal. Without revealing details of impending military operation or making predictions it may be of value to Department, Belgrade and Sofia to know that confidence which has been publicly expressed by Griswold and Van Fleet regarding the military side of Greek operations are genuinely held by all responsible US officials in Greece. Roumeli operation recently finished, which was first large campaign using Greek force of 30,000 in encircling movement, was eminently successful not only in clearing area but in killing and capturing some 2,500 bandits. Coming operations will be similarly well planned and on larger scale. General Van Fleet has high hopes for important military successes.
Equally important to obtaining military success is to hold victories gained. These could be dissipated if we fall prey to Soviet and satellite endeavors to throw Greece off balance through peace offensive. This matter discussed Embtel 985, June 4. Equally important in our opinion not to be misled by other satellite gestures such as recent move Bulgaria to reestablish relations with Greece (Embtel 1060, June 113). These moves may well add up to satellite effort to settle Greek affair by conciliation through UN, leaving Communists unbroken to resume their campaign in Greece at more propitious time. It also suggests move to take sting out of UNSCOB report by showing that satellites have taken seriously UN desire improve relations between Greece and northern neighbors, hence unnecessary recall what has taken place in past, or to continue any UN activities this area such as retention UNSCOB and observer corps.
Greeks are now able and determined to carry through military operations against bandits. It would be fatal if we were to show any sign of wavering. We do not suggest that Greek problem will end with termination large scale operations against bandits. There will still be grave questions such as infiltration across borders, possible breaking up of bands into small groups, question of future of Greece’s large and costly army, economic rehabilitation, etc. But since first things must come first, it is essential in our view that first phase of this campaign be terminated by crushing defeat of bandit forces and not through appeasement or conciliation. Greek Government continues show remarkable firmness this point. Prime Minister Sophoulis June 5 repeated his earlier statement that he would never agree to another amnesty, this time to Queen Frederika, Field Marshal Smuts, and myself.
[Page 107]Sent Department 1066, repeated Belgrade 53, Sofia 51, London 116. Department pass Moscow 39.
- Not printed; Ambassador Cannon advised that the “Return of Zachariades to Greek scene bearing Moscow’s olive branch completes preparations for new political drive against Athens. All local papers prominently featured yesterday his article ‘reality and self-illusion’ … in advocacy peace and compromise discussions.” The Ambassador concluded that he “should not be surprised to see Zachariades the politician take foreground and Markos the guerrilla recede” (501 BB Balkan/6–848). Nikos Zachariades was Secretary General of the Greek Communist Party.↩
- Post, p. 1070.↩
- Not printed.↩