740.0011 European War 1939/6266: Telegram
The Chargé in Germany ( Morris ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 28—9:50 a.m.]
4485. So far the Greek Minister has not received from his own or from the German Government any indication of the effect of the Italian aggression upon German and Greek official relations. When Hitler and Mussolini meet today at Florence it is believed that this matter will be determined and Hitler will also insist that Italian military operations must not endanger Greek historical treasures. Italy’s immediate military objective is reported to be the establishment of air bases at Salonika and in the Peloponnesus probably at Kalamata to protect merchant vessels carrying Black Sea petroleum to Italy. The Italian fleet has been unable to attempt this task because it lacks sufficient fuel.