Page:Minutes of War Cabinet Meeting 2, 11 December 1916.djvu/4

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Sir F. Elliot reports that King agreed to withdraw from Thessaly the 10th Division, which was in excess of normal peace garrison; he also suggested Entente Military Attachés going to Thessaly to see for themselves. He said no additional troops had been sent to Thessaly, and that those brought back from Morea were concentrated in and near Athens. He wished to restore clam by disembarkation of British Colony now on board at Piræus. Sir F. Elliot replied that this last was impossible; that he himself had made all arrangements to embark, and that, if the King would not comply with Allied demand for reparation, he would leave. He suggests King being told what he must do if blockade is to be raised.

Sir F. Elliot reports that Italian Minister is very hostile to Venizelos and his movement, and furious with the French. The Italian policy is a weak Greece, and they fear this may be upset by a Veniselist Government.

Sir F. Elliot suggests that Entente demands should be presented to King, and that Entente Ministers should go on board and await his reply. If unsatisfactory, they should leave for Italy.

Sir F. Elliot recommends joint occupation of Corfu by Allies, and arrest of Royal Hostages there.

Military attachés at Athens mistrust withdrawal of three regiments from Thessaly restoring normal conditions, and think their own presence in Thessaly could serve no useful purpose.

Sir F. Elliot thinks King will not dare to declare war on Allies; Greek nation and army (except hot-headed Royalists) would be against it. Our policy should be to put forward far-reaching demands, including complete disarmament. The blockade would soon make King come to terms. Royalists and Venizelists being irreconcilable, only thing to do is to recognise Provisional Government. We should not impose Venizelos on Greece, but we should strongly take up cause of his adherence. By Reducing Greece to impotence, King's position would become impossible, and rest will follow.

The Foreign Office instructs Sir F. Elliot as to action to be take with the Greek Government.

Sir F. Elliot says our demands must be presented as "preliminary" only. Our various controls must be re-established; reservists leagues must be completely dissolved; and Venizelists released and compensated.

Sir. F. Elliot reports existence of a fabricated letter purporting to be from Venizelos, speaking of approaching establishment of a revolutionary government. The King believes letter to be genuine.

King thanks troops for saving his dynasty.

Lord Bertie Says Briand concurs in our ultimatum and will put it to French Cabinet to-day.

Lord Bertie reports that Sarrail has now been ordered not to bombard Athens without concurrence of Allied Governments; and that he has already orders not to bombard unless Greeks mount guns to danger of fleet. In any case, bombardment will be confined to King's palace and gun emplacements.