740.0011 European War 1939/13019
The Minister in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 10.]
Sir: Following my despatch No. 4887 of May 6th,21 regarding the occupation of Athens by German forces and the efforts of this Legation to protect British interests, I have the honor to report herewith the principal activities of the Legation in the protection of American interests during the same emergency. The following account is chronological in arrangement, and is summarized at the conclusion of the despatch.
Three days before the arrival of German forces in Athens, a meeting of the American Safety Committee of Key Men was called by the First Secretary and Consul General,22 who informed the Committee of various arrangements which had been made to deal with the conditions considered likely to arise under the occupation of Athens by the German forces. These arrangements included the preparing of Loring Hall, part of the property of the American School of Classical Studies, which had been taken over as an annex of the American Legation with the consent of the Greek Government some time before, to provide shelter for the American colony should disorders or other conditions render concentration under official protection desirable. Should evacuation from the city be indicated, four trucks were reported as available, in addition to the private cars of the colony, and a considerable supply of gasoline was declared to be in the possession of the Committee, individual Americans, and the Legation. The Committee was also informed that a number of special certificates had been prepared by the Legation for use in the protection of American property. These covered, in various forms, the property of the American Red Cross, of the Administrative Committee of American Relief (Vanderbilt Committee), and of the Near East Foundation, as well as dwellings of American citizens, their business premises, and their cars. A number of such certificates were distributed to the members of the Committee.
On April 24th, three days before the arrival of the German troops, the Executive Committee of the Administrative Committee of American Relief (Vanderbilt Committee), placed the sum of 20,000,000 drachmas in the hands of the Consul General for disbursement in accordance with its instructions contained in a covering letter, a copy of which is enclosed herewith.21 According to these instructions, 15,000,000 drachmas were to be expended primarily for the relief of [Page 736] Greek-Americans cut off from their usual sources of income, and 5,000,000 drachmas for other unspecified payments to be made in consultation with the Executive Committee. These funds were in cash and were deposited in the Legation’s safe.
As information had been conveyed to the Americans in Athens that the Legation was prepared to accept valuables for safekeeping, a considerable number of American citizens brought packages to the Legation. These were sealed by an officer and by the owner and placed in one of the office safes. No inquiry was made as to the contents, which, it is understood, consisted sometimes of jewelry, gold, silver, and precious stones, sometimes of cash, and sometimes of important documents, as well as other types of valuables. A list was kept of the persons depositing such articles. Some persons suggested their desire to leave furniture, or trunks containing clothing, but the limitations of space in the office made it impossible to comply with these requests.
On April 27th, German troops occupied the city of Athens. Their entry was peaceful and orderly, and no incidents occurred involving Americans, who mostly remained in their homes.
On the afternoon of that day, First Secretary Reed had an interview with a German officer, who had established himself in the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and who was said to be a representative of the German Foreign Office. In this interview it was established that matters affecting American citizens should be taken up by the Legation with the German Legation, which was empowered to take all necessary steps for their protection. It was also learned that the German Legation would be able to despatch a telegram to the Department of State within a very short time. On the following day (April 28th), Mr. Reed had a further interview with a Secretary of the German Legation, who called at the Legation accompanied by another German officer representing the German Foreign Office. The Legation was busy during the day issuing additional certificates for the protection of American property.
On April 29th, a telegram addressed to the Department was handed to the German Legation, written in the German language at the request of the latter, reporting the German occupation of Athens, the fact that all Americans were safe, and that the German Legation was being very helpful in assuring respect for property.
The newly-organized relief section under the direction of Consul and Second Secretary Berry began receiving applicants for assistance.
As no disorders and very little disturbance to the American community had occurred, Loring Hall was not utilized as a refuge by the Americans.
[Page 737]On April 30th, I sent my telegram No. 299 to the Department,23 reporting the formation of a new Greek Government in Athens and the appointment of Ministers for all the portfolios, except that of Foreign Affairs, which was being handled by the German Legation.
Many inquiries having been received from American citizens regarding the possibility of returning to the United States, the Legation, on May 1st, made a formal written inquiry of the German Legation as to the documents which would be required in order to permit the departure from Greece of American citizens.
Dr. Vogel, Secretary of the German Legation, informed Mr. Reed, on May 1st, that he was anxious to prevent any seizure of American property, and would be glad to receive information of any incidents which might occur in this connection, as promptly as possible. He referred to my telegram of April 30th, reporting the formation of a new Greek Government, and said that his Legation had been glad to forward that telegram, but stated that any future references of a political character should be considered in the light of whether or not they directly affected our Legation, explaining that this limitation was imposed only because of the great pressure on communications. He added that any telegram whatever affecting the administration of the Legation’s business would, of course, be sent. He also referred to the aide-mémoire of his conversation with Mr. Reed, regarding certain relief and other payments for British interests, and confirmed that there was no objection to the Legation’s proceeding in accordance therewith for the time being, pending a final decision from Berlin regarding the whole question of American representation of British interests in Greece.
On May 3rd, Mr. Homer Davis, President of Athens College, informed Mr. Reed that he had been notified by a German soldier to turn over his house at the seaside, near the village of Loutsa, to German troops, on Saturday morning, May 4th, and that if he did not do it personally, or deliver the keys to the messenger, the house would be broken into. Mr. Reed immediately went to the office of Mr. Davis, interviewed the German soldier, and learned the designation of the military unit which proposed to occupy the house. He then communicated with the German Legation, and Dr. Vogel promised to do what was necessary for the protection of Mr. Davis’ property. In fact, he sent a messenger from the Legation to Loutsa to deliver the protection order. Loutsa is situated about 20 miles from Athens. Dr. Vogel reported to me personnally the same evening that this effective step had been taken.
[Page 738]On May 4th, the Legation was informed by the Director of the American Girls’ College (Orlinda Childs Pierce College) at Helleniko, a suburb of Athens, that a detachment of German troops had arrived and that, while the officer in command declined to see the Director, he had notified her that some of the buildings of the College would be occupied the following morning. Mr. Reed communicated with Dr. Vogel, who took prompt steps to prevent this occupation from occurring, sending to Miss Mills, the Director, that same afternoon, an order forbidding the German troops to enter the premises of the College. He also sent to the Legation a similar certificate for use if at any time in the future other German troops should attempt to enter the school grounds.
On May 5th, Mr. Reed had a further discussion with Dr. Vogel on pending questions, including the attitude of the German Government toward Consular officers of enemy countries, (this matter arising from the case of the British Vice Consul at Skoplje, Yugoslavia, already reported in my despatch No. 4887). Dr. Vogel pointed out that the British Consular officers in Germany had been sent to Holland at the outbreak of the British-German war, but said that those who remained in enemy countries during the war and were subsequently captured in an enemy country, were taken into custody and kept in Germany during the war.
Dr. Vogel was informed, with reference to the possible evacuation of Americans, that many of the members of the American colony were in possession of automobiles and gasoline, and were in a position to travel to Salonika at any time, in order to take trains from there in pursuit of their journeys to the United States. He had previously explained that the railroad from Athens to Salonika had been very severely damaged, and that a considerable period of time must elapse before it could again be in service.
The matter of obtaining funds for the expenses of the American Legation was also discussed. Mr. Reed reported that it had thus far been impossible to sell the usual draft on the Secretary of State, which had been presented to a Greek bank on April 30th. Dr. Vogel promised to investigate the situation. At a later date he explained that, because of the action taken by the American Government in freezing certain foreign funds and credits in the United States, there was some doubt that our draft, if accepted by a local bank, could be cashed in the United States. In spite of Mr. Reed’s explanations on the subject, Dr. Vogel said that he would prefer that an inquiry be addressed to the American Embassy in Berlin in order to ascertain how such matters had been handled in the other occupied countries, and this was done, through the German Legation.
A number of American-owned automobiles was seized by German troops at different times. In some cases receipts were given by German [Page 739] officers showing requisition of the automobiles, but in other cases no documents were given and no information was available as to the particular unit which had requisitioned the car. All American owners had been provided on application with certificates issued by this Legation, containing a statement in the German language to the effect that the car described was American property and requesting respect therefor. These certificates were, in general, of little use in preventing seizure, but the fact that they had been provided and that the requisitioning officers were consequently aware of the American ownership of the cars was duly brought to the attention of the German Legation. In this connection it may be reported specifically that a number of gasoline and oil tank trucks, belonging to the American-owned Socony Vacuum Oil Company, were requisitioned, some after the giving of receipts and some without. As soon as information was received at this Legation regarding each case, it was reported to the German Legation, which invariably stated that such action was without the knowledge or consent of the German Government and that every effort would be made to return the automobile to its owner. Within a few days, the occupying forces instituted a system of control of automobiles, stopping all cars in the streets and demanding the exhibition of the written authority for the operation of the car stopped. By this means it has been possible to obtain the return of most of the automobiles requisitioned.
In connection with the desire of the American citizens in Athens to return to the United States, a committee was appointed for the purpose of interviewing the prospective travelers in order to ascertain their total number, financial resources, and whether they possessed automobiles and gasoline for a possible trip to Salonika. This committee, consisting of volunteers, included Mr. Ralph Kent, Assistant Director of Athens College; Mr. Arthur Parsons, Assistant Director of the American School of Classical Studies; and Mr. Shirley Weber, Librarian of the Gennadion Library. A list of the Americans in the Athens consular district was prepared from the records of the Consulate General and a circular letter was forwarded to the adults found to be entitled to the protection of the American Government, informing them of the fact that arrangements were being made with a view to returning to the United States and suggesting that interested persons should communicate with the committee which had established an office in the American Express Company. This committee has been very active in interviewing the Americans and compiling data which would be useful in case of evacuation.
On May 6th, I sent, through the German Legation, my telegram No. 301 to the Department as follows:
[Here follows text of telegram No. 301, transmitted in telegram No. 1903, May 14, from The Chargé in Germany, printed supra.]
[Page 740]In view of the possibility that the Legation might be withdrawn from Athens, or that political developments might necessitate the closing of the entire Government establishment here, it seemed desirable to obtain authority for the termination of the lease of the present office quarters and the transfer of the office to less expensive quarters. In this connection, Loring Hall, a building of the American School of Classical Studies, now, by arrangement with the Trustees of the School as well as with the Greek Government, an annex of the Legation, seemed an ideal location, as being American property, conveniently situated and sufficiently large to permit of the storage of archives and furniture. In addition, the rent, if any, over and above the enhanced governmental protection thus guaranteed to the premises, could be arranged with the Trustees in America and paid there without involving difficulties of exchange. Consequently, I sent the following telegram, through the German Legation, on May 7th, No. 302:
[Here follows text of telegram, not printed.]
Food supplies in Greece were exhausted almost immediately after the arrival of the German forces, and the situation became extremely difficult. The German Legation made arrangements for the obtaining of staple articles of food on a rationing basis by the officers and employees of the foreign Legations in Athens, and authorization thereunder was given to this Legation for the purchase of food on May 9th. However, these arrangements did not modify the fact that food was almost unobtainable, and only procured with great difficulty.
On May 7th, a letter was received from the Administrative Committee of American Relief (Vanderbilt Committee), stating that it was desired to place certain unexpended funds of that Committee in the custody of the American Legation for safe-keeping. The sum of 25,000,000 drachmas, in cash, had actually been deposited here, and a further amount of 50,000,000 drachmas credited to the account of the Legation at the National Bank of Greece on April 25th. Within a week after the receipt of the explanatory letter, however, all but 8,500,000 drachmas of this money was withdrawn by the Committee, satisfactory arrangements having been made for its expenditure by the Greek Red Cross. The balance is being held at the disposal of the Greek Red Cross in accordance with instructions from the Committee.
On May 7th, another meeting of the American Safety Committee of Key Men was held at the office of the Consul General. It was decided that the stocks of food which had been concentrated in the American School of Classical Studies might be made available to the members of the American community, if required, in view of the food shortage. Possible arrangements for the evacuation of the community were discussed, as well as a number of other pending questions, such as the registration by the German authorities of all automobiles.
[Page 741]This Legation sent to the Department, through the German Legation, for forwarding to the Socony Vacuum Oil Company of New York, two telegrams from its Athens Branch, reporting the desire of the German military authorities to purchase the entire property of the Company, and requesting powers of attorney for various Greek employees of the Company. Telegrams were also sent, through the German Legation, for the Near East Foundation and for the American School of Classical Studies.
The German troops, in their efforts to find quarters for their officers, occupied, or attempted to occupy, a number of houses or apartments owned or leased by American citizens. In each case the matter was reported to the German Legation by Mr. Reed, and the Secretary of that Legation, Dr. Vogel, was successful in preserving respect for the American property.
The work of the Relief Section of the Consulate General increased with tremendous rapidity and, within a few days, a double line of waiting people extended outside the building, around the corner, to the next block. This section was gradually enlarged by the assistance of clerks from most of the sections of the combined office, who have been working from early morning until late in the evening.
Summary
The American community in Athens has been kept currently informed of matters affecting its members through the American Safety Committee of Key Men.
The Administrative Committee of American Relief (Vanderbilt Committee), in order to protect its funds from a probable bank moratorium and possible later interference with its benevolent activities, transferred a total of 95,000,000 drachmas, equivalent to some $632,000.00, to the Legation, 20,000,000 drachmas for expenditure by the Legation and 75,000,000 drachmas for safekeeping and withdrawal at the decision of the Committee.
Valuables and documents were deposited in the Legation for safekeeping by many members of the American community.
The occupation of Athens by German troops occurred on April 27th, without any molestation of the American residents.
The German Legation took over the functions of the former Greek Foreign Office in connection with the protection of American interests, and negotiations on these subjects were henceforth carried on with the German Legation, which adopted the title “Office of the Plenipotentiary of the German Reich in Greece”.
The Relief Section of the Consulate General began the expenditure of the sum of 20,000,000 drachmas received from the Vanderbilt Committee for the relief of Americans and Greek-Americans.
[Page 742]The members of the American community still in Athens informed this Legation of their desire to return to the United States as soon as possible, and this desire was reported to the Department and to the German authorities by the Legation.
A committee of Americans appointed by the Consul General and working in collaboration with the Consulate General, assembled information regarding the Americans planning to leave (including Greek-Americans whose right to protection had been verified at the Consulate General).
The German Legation stated that it was the intention of the German authorities fully to respect American property rights and that any violation thereof reported to the Legation would be promptly rectified. A number of seizures and attempted seizures of American real, movable, and personal property was reported to the German Legation, which took action, in most cases effective, to preserve American property rights. Certificates of American ownership issued by the Legation for American real, movable, and personal property, were generally helpful in preserving respect for such property.
From the date of the German occupation of Athens, local banks refused to deal in foreign exchange or to cash American checks, including the official drafts of the Legation. The situation was reported, through the German Legation, to the American Embassy in Berlin, with a view to making arrangements for the cashing of official drafts.
Telegraphic authorization was requested from the Department for the termination of the lease of the present office quarters and the removal of the offices to the American School of Classical Studies, an American-owned property.
Food supplies were obtained with great difficulty, but a rationing system for the foreign Legation was arranged by the German authorities.
The Legation sent telegrams, during the period under review, through the German Legation and the Department, for three American organizations in Athens, the American School of Classical Studies, the Near East Foundation, and the Socony Vacuum Oil Company.
Respectfully yours,