868.00/12–1344: Telegram
The Ambassador in Greece (MacVeagh) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 15—11:03 a.m.]
148. The guerrillas have now practically closed a ring around the British in the center of Athens effectively cutting off all traffic with the Piraeus as well as with the Kalamai Airfield except by armoured car.
Yesterday and today “unofficial meetings” have taken place between Porphyrogennis representing EAM and General Scobie but so far nothing has come of these.
Field Marshal Alexander after reviewing the military situation returned to Italy yesterday leaving Macmillan here. According to the British Ambassador, a brigade of reinforcements arrived yesterday [Page 152] in the Piraeus and an attempt is being made to clear that city and reestablish communications with Athens. He said the total reinforcements coming in would eventually exceed two divisions, but that meanwhile there is danger of cholera and typhus as well as typhoid and he feels there is no time to lose in setting up a government here possessed of some authority. He confirmed that he has been pressing London to permit the establishment of a regency under the Archbishop, and said that he has received the full and understanding support of Mr. Macmillan in this regard, but that so far no reply has been received from London, where not only Mr. Churchill must be won over but the King of Greece must be persuaded to give his consent.
General Plastiras50 arrived today.
- Nicholas Plastiras, Greek Republican general, in exile after the restoration of the monarchy in 1935.↩