611.81/12–1250: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (Peurifoy) to the Secretary of State
1879. According to Bucharest Greek language broadcast December 8, latest issue Cominform Journal1 contains” article by Zachariades in which following statement appears: “There now exists a multitude of indications proving that the Americans have chosen the Balkan area for their adventurous plans: of the immediate future.” Article goes onto allege US setting up “two triangles”, first, Athens-Belgrade-Ankara aimed against Bulgaria and, second, Athens-Belgrade-Rome aimed against Albania, and that for this purpose Greek army being increased to 500,000. Article refers to visit of American Ambassador to “Greek-Albanian frontier”2 and compares visit to that of Dulles3 to 38th parallel “on the eve of the aggression against the People’s Republic of Korea”.4
While this theme is not new, its reiteration with increasingly elaborate embroidery appears to Embassy of sufficient significance to warrant careful attention. Department well aware Communist practice [Page 439] alleging aggression intent by West at precise points where they themselves contemplate aggressive action. While theme often played over long period before action materializes, contemporary military buildup in Bulgaria and Rumania lends potential substance to propaganda warnings. Moreover, risks Communists are running to prevent loss North and perhaps South Korea indicate lengths they are prepared to go to retain territories they once held or in which they had foothold. Extent to which Kremlin considers Greece such territory uncertain, but there can be no doubt failure guerrilla campaign rankles deeply and is not accepted as final. This consideration, coupled with great strategic advantages flowing from conquest of Greece and political effect throughout Near East analogous to effect in Far East of Communist victory in Korea, could induce Kremlin to launch satellite attack here at propitious and not too distant time.
Department is of course fully aware of all these possibilities and Embassy has no new evidence that they might materialize soon, other than demonstration of calculated recklessness being afforded by Communists in Korea. Nevertheless, we believe accumulation of indications suggesting possible aggression against Greece sufficiently substantial to justify redoubled effort to prepare for this contingency. Concretely, Department may wish to do all within its power (1) to expedite delivery additional military equipment, particularly anti-tank, to GAF, and (2) to concert further with British character and extent of military aid, including forces, which might be promptly furnished Greece in case of attack.5
Sent Department 1879, repeated information Belgrade 45, Ankara 34, Rome 27, London 31.
- Entitled, For a Lasting Peace, For a People’s Democracy! ↩
- Ambassador In Greece John E. Peurifoy left Athens by airplane for Ioannina on October 21 to meet with the people of that city and to visit the various military departments of Epirus. He returned to Athens on October 22. (‘H Καφήμερινή (Daily), October 22, 1950)↩
- John Foster Dulles, consultant to the Secretary of State and personal representative of the President for the Japanese peace treaty, with rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.↩
- For documentation relating to Korea, see volume vii .↩
- Telegram 2020, December 28, to Athens, eyes only for Ambassador John E. Peurifoy, not printed, informed him that the Joint Chiefs of Staff had authorized the Chief of the Joint United States Military Aid Group to Greece to enter into military discussions with Greek authorities at their request on the subject of war planning of guerrilla activities. This telegram authorized Ambassador Peurifoy to designate a representative to establish liaison with these discussions. (781.00/12–2850)↩