868.00/6–1648: Telegram
Governor Dwight P. Griswold to the Secretary of State
Amag 1138. Shortly the GNA will launch an offensive in Grammos area, principal stronghold of Markos forces. Object of this operation is decisively to break the back of the bandit gangs this year. Present Soviet and Markos propaganda suggests probability of sensational charges that while Markos followers are actively seeking peace, American imperialists and Athens Monarcho-Fascists want war and bloodshed. Typical of present propaganda build up is Tass quotation of Markos Radio that 120 children, were strangled or bayonetted in mountains during recent Roumeli operations as part of terror campaign ordered by Griswold and Van Fleet against peaceful population of guerrilla areas. Objective of these and anticipated sensational charges is of course to divide and confuse supporters of American aid to Greece at very moment of greatest chance of success. It must be recognized that such propaganda, made in context of current Bulgarian overtures, may find receptive listeners among American and allied peoples who are weary of cold war, dislike “Athens police state” and have always been lukewarm toward American military aid to Greece.
Furthermore, in the coming operation there will be used modern military weapons, such as fire bomb (Napalm), hithertofore not used in operations against bandits. We must expect propaganda agencies of Communist countries to seize upon this fact to charge that use of fire bomb is unethical even in international war and particularly inhuman against peace-seeking Markos followers. In view of present Communist propaganda trend we must also anticipate principal propaganda broadside will be directed against United States, stressing that fire bomb was made in America and used in Greece according to plans of American Army.
I believe it vital that we be prepared for such propaganda by offensive propaganda of our own coordinated with GNA military operational plans. I agree with statement Embtel 1066 June 12 that it would be fatal if we were to show any signs of wavering in the face of anticipated or accelerated Soviet propaganda offensive. We should not be thrown off balance by these maneuvers.
[Page 108]It seems to me desirable as soon as GNA has bandits on run in Grammos offensive for Prime Minister in radio broadcast to Greek people in explanation of purposes of offensive to state, without reference to Markos peace feelers, that if bandit groups sincerely desire peace and wish avoid bloodshed they should surrender to GNA commanders in area of operation. He might add that Greek Government has directed army commanders to hold bandit leaders for court-martial but will insure that the rank and file of the followers who are not guilty of common crimes may expect just treatment and return quickly to normal peaceful pursuits. He should avoid any proposal which would be interpreted as appeasement or another ill-fated, twice-tried amnesty.
There should be no contact between the Greek Government and the “Markos government” bilaterally or on an international political level. Since it is essential that the liquidation of this problem be found within the framework of the authority of the Greek Sovereign State, such contact as may be necessary should be on military level and based on conditions laid down by Prime Minister in his broadcast. Department realizes, of course, that American Army officers will be in field with GNA units to safeguard against possible GNA excesses or failure to comply with instructions.
Request Department views and advice this week based on this telegram and Embtel 1066 June 12, together with background material mentioned therein.