868.00/8–1649: Telegram
The Chargé in Greece (Minor) to the Secretary of State
1613. In after dinner talk with Diomedes and Pipinelis I took occasion to revert to question of general conditions for surrender and amnesty of Andartes. I presented our view that Greeks themselves should announce favorable conditions for surrender and amnesty in order prevent further agitation for international control or supervision of some sort.
They responded to effect that their study on subject is advancing and should soon be ready for presentation to Council of Ministers. Pipinelis was reluctant to reveal details since question has to be passed on by Council but he revealed his tentative thinking along following lines:
Andartes would be divided into three categories: first, top level leaders of the rebellion who they hoped would not find themselves within Greek jurisdiction; second, hardcore leaders of rebellion who would be placed in camps such as Makronissos for indoctrination and eventual return to normal life; third, rank and file Andartes who would be screened and returned to their homes almost at once. He expressed hope that further executions under court martial, except for common crimes, could be avoided.
I replied that I was sure Greek sense of justice would prevail, but that I felt timing was of utmost importance. Greeks should make such announcement before end of rapidly developing Grammos operation and well in advance to GP [ GA?] meeting. I have feeling that both men were impressed with urgency of matter and that we may expect some action in near future. I realize that subject is much more complicated than would appear on surf ace but Greeks have had sufficient time to examine all angles. I will see Pipinelis later in week and again needle him for action.1
- Telegram 1663, August 23, from Athens, not printed, reported that Minor had again spoken with Prime Minister Diomedes on the question of amnesty and executions. Diomedes stated it was his intention that the Greek Government issue a declaration as soon as possible that there would be no further executions for offenses connected with the rebellion committed from 1946 (868.00/8–2349). Telegram 1402, August 26, to Athens, not printed, informed the Embassy of the Department of State’s gratification to learn of the declaration proposed by Diomedes. The Department urged that the Greek Government bear in mind the impact on world opinion and the possible loss of faith in the Greek Government’s pronouncements which would doubtless result from subsequent executions of groups and individuals still under sentence for crimes committed during the 1944–45 rebellion. (868.00/8–2649)↩