Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, The Near East and Africa, Volume V

868.00B/12–2447: Telegram

The Chargé in Greece (Rankin) to the Secretary of State

secret
urgent

Athens, December 24, 1947—1 a. m.

2219. Mavrogordatos¹ in conversation yesterday confirmed information given me earlier in day by Tsaldaris (mytel 2218²) regarding Communist plot assassinate Gonatos and Zervas, which was to include assassination two unspecified members Government and several Greek political leaders. He believes action intend coincide proclamation “free Greek” government and with other disorders planned for same day which Greeks believe to be January 2.

Mavrogordatos, presumably speaking with full authority Prime Minister, asked Embassy’s opinion re precautionary arrest 30 to 40 known Greek Communists who could be counted upon to take part in above plan.

As indicated in top secret letter October 11 to Henderson,³ Embassy believes Greeks justified and even under obligation arrest Communists who are conspiring against Greece and whose activities may become especially dangerous in impending events. I intend take earliest opportunity so inform Mavrogordatos, but will stress that in our opinion arrests should be limited to real Communist leaders and not include, as in mass arrests by Zervas, large number innocent or merely suspect persons.⁴

Sent Department as 2219 repeated Salonika 156.

Rankin

1. Michael Mavrogordatos, Under Secretary to the Greek Prime Minister.
2. Dated December 23, not printed.
3. Not printed.
4. In telegram 2063, December 26, the Department advised the Embassy in Athens of its entire agreement with the view expressed in the final paragraph of No. 2219 (868.00B/12–2447).