Page:Minutes of War Cabinet Meeting 2, 11 December 1916.djvu/5

Rh Sir G. Buchanan says Russian Foreign Minister concurs in our seizing hostages in Greece, but doubts wisdom of demanding such to be handed over to us. French Ambassador has stated that his Government regard deposition of King, and recognition of Venizelos, as only means of avoiding war with Greece.

Sir R. Rodd demurs to sentence in proposed Allies' demand to King of Greece, "failure to comply with these two demands," as suggesting that covert hostilities are the only alternative. He fears our putting ourselves in the wrong with Greek public opinion by provoking an unnecessary rupture.

Sir. F. Elliot reports that M. Venizelos says that all hostages shall be well treated, and hopes to catch some in the islands belonging to Old Greece. Enquiries if the Syra hostages taken to Mudros should not not be handed over to the Provisional Government: concurs that for deterrent effect hostages should be in Greek hands.

Sir. F. Elliot reports public meeting at Canea to express the decision that populace no longer regard the King of Greece as being their Ruler, and to show indignation at losses of Allies and treachery of King and troops.

Mr. Erskine reports that the International Financial Commission has officially requested United States Minister to take charge of archives and central offices.

Sir F. Elliot enquires what interpretation is to be given to the words "Northern Greece" in Foreign Office telegram No. 1465 of the 9th December, if no Greek troops are to be retained, and if mention should not be made of railway facilities.

Sir F. Elliot wires for further details as to Foreign Office telegram No. 1476.

Recent events in Athens have proved conclusively that neither the King nor Greek Government have sufficient control over the Greek army to prevent Greek forces becoming a menace to peace and a danger to the Allied armies in Macedonia.

Under these circumstances the Government of the Allied Powers are constrained to demand, for the security of their forces from attack, that the Greek troops now stationed in Northern Greece be immediately removed to the Morea, and that the evacuation commence within twenty-four hours and proceed as rapidly as possible. They further demand that any movements of Greek troops from the Morea to Northern Greece be immediately suspended. Failure to comply with these two demands will be regarded by the Allies as an act of hostility on the part of the Greek Government.

The blockade of the Greek coast will be maintained until full reparation has been given for the recent unprovoked attack by the Greek forces upon the troops of the Allies at Athens, together with satisfactory guarantees for the future.

You should make a formal communication to the Greek Government in the above terms as soon as your colleagues have received similar instruction.