The Timeline of Even

The Timeline of Events Leading to the "Lakes Plan"

In various articles on the Greek Civil War and the activities of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Democratic Army of Greece (DSE), readers have frequently referenced the "Lakes Plan." This strategy, orchestrated by the KKE, aimed at creating an independent state in Northern Greece, specifically in Macedonia and Thrace, with Thessaloniki as its capital. The ultimate goal of the plan’s architects was the establishment of a unified and independent "Greater Macedonia."

The "Lakes Plan" was published in its entirety, translated from Russian, in "Rizospastis" on December 17, 1996. In today's article, we present the full text of this document. Credit must be given to the KKE leadership at the time—under General Secretary Aleka Papariga—for allowing its publication in the party’s official newspaper. Only through transparency can we dispel conspiracy theories and the spread of misinformation.

Mistakes were made by all sides during this tumultuous period, and it is imperative that history does not repeat itself, particularly in today’s rapidly changing global landscape. While we could have simply reproduced the "Lakes Plan," we believe that such significant historical events must be examined in context. Understanding the events leading up to them is crucial.

Thus, we will delve into the key events of 1947 that are closely linked to the "Lakes Plan," which is believed to have been devised in September 1947 near the Prespa Lakes, hence its name.

From Zachariadis’ Appeal to Stalin to Porfyrogenis’ Announcement in Strasbourg

In January 1947, Nikos Zachariadis, General Secretary of the KKE, made a direct appeal to Stalin for support. In March of the same year, the United States announced the "Truman Doctrine," effectively taking over Britain’s role in the region and committing to aiding Greece and Turkey against the communist threat. On March 20, 1947, Giannis Zevgos, a senior KKE official, was assassinated in Thessaloniki by a communist fugitive from Bulkes (covered in detail in our article on July 2, 2023).

Following Zevgos' assassination, Zachariadis made a brief and secretive appearance in Thessaloniki to pay his respects before vanishing again. On April 5, 1947, the National Army launched "Operation Terminus" with 80,000 troops, 60 aircraft, and 40 artillery units. The next day, Zachariadis illegally crossed into Yugoslavia, though the KKE maintained the illusion that he was still hiding in Athens until the end of the year.

It was subtly suggested that Zachariadis had traveled to Strasbourg to attend the French Communist Party Congress in June 1947. Meanwhile, on April 17, 1947, he sent a directive to Markos Vafiadis in the mountains, outlining the objective of the Civil War: to establish a communist state in Macedonia and Thrace, with the possibility of extending into Epirus.

On April 21, 1947, Zachariadis met with Tito, who allegedly endorsed the division of Greece into two states: a communist North and a non-communist South. A memorandum documenting this decision was drafted. On May 15, 1947, Zachariadis traveled to Moscow for a second meeting with Stalin, accompanied by Molotov and Zhdanov. Official records, including telegrams and letters, confirm this meeting. By late May, Zachariadis was back in Belgrade, working closely with Yugoslav leaders, particularly Aleksandar "Marko" Ranković. His main liaison with the Soviet Communist Party was Baranov, who received regular updates on developments.

Meanwhile, the Greek Parliament passed an amnesty law on September 11, 1947, offering a one-month window for insurgents to surrender and receive a pardon. The deadline was later extended to November 15, 1947, but had limited success, with only 1,142 surrendering—none of whom were key rebel fighters.

On the same day the amnesty law was enacted, the KKE hardened its stance. Zachariadis convened the Central Committee for its 3rd Plenary Session, held in secrecy, likely near the Prespa Lakes. This session issued an internal directive calling for total war, though the publicly released version of the resolution was less extreme. The "Lakes Plan" would remain classified until it was first revealed in the newspaper "Avgi" on January 6, 1980, by historian Filippos Iliou. Its translation from Russian, as noted by "Rizospastis," raises questions about the whereabouts of the original Greek document.

The Tito-Zachariadis Meeting and the Fallout from Porfyrogenis’ Strasbourg Announcement

One of the most pivotal moments in this saga was the meeting between Tito and Zachariadis on April 21, 1947, during which plans for the seizure of Thessaloniki were "formalized." Nikos Mertzios, a historian, referred to this as the "Vietnamization" of Greece. According to the memorandum presented to Tito, the aim was to carve out a separate communist-controlled state in Northern Greece, effectively splitting the country into two opposing regimes.

The next significant event took place at the French Communist Party Congress in Strasbourg on June 27, 1947. Representing the KKE, Miltiadis Porfyrogenis publicly announced the plan to establish an independent communist state in Northern Greece with a "Democratic Government." His declaration sent shockwaves through both domestic and international political circles.

During this period, the Democratic Army of Greece (DSE) was engaged in extensive military operations. However, forming a "Democratic Government" proved challenging, with divisions surfacing within the EAM leadership. By August 1947, the DSE’s General Headquarters had started issuing its own legislative acts related to popular justice and local governance, assuming de facto governmental authority in rebel-controlled areas.

Ultimately, the amnesty program had little impact, and the Greek government prepared for an all-out confrontation. The civil war raged on, and the "Lakes Plan" faded into history—until its rediscovery decades later. Today, its publication provides valuable insight into one of the most controversial chapters of modern Greek history.

By revisiting these critical events, we can better understand the ideological struggles and political ambitions that shaped the era. Transparency in historical analysis ensures that such contentious episodes remain part of the collective memory, fostering informed discussions rather than fueling myths and misinformation.

The "Lakes Plan" and the Political Climate of Greece in 1947

The Greek newspaper Eleftheria characterized Porfyrogenis' speech as an act of high treason in a leading article. Meanwhile, Estia called for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)—which was still legal at the time—to be outlawed and for all communist organizations to be disbanded. Other newspapers denounced Porfyrogenis' speech but focused heavily on political maneuvering, each striving to promote its own allies within the government. Only Machi, the publication affiliated with the Socialist Party of Greece (SKELD) and the National Liberation Front (EAM), suggested that Porfyrogenis’ speech should primarily be interpreted as an attempt at reconciliation.

The Crackdown on Political Dissidents

According to historian Solon Grigoriadis, who was sympathetic to EAM and KKE, Minister of Public Order Napoleon Zervas launched a massive "pogrom" in Athens on the night of July 9, 1947. A total of 2,615 marked individuals were forcibly removed from their homes, crammed into police detention centers, and then transported to the barren island of Psyttaleia, where they suffered terribly from dehydration. Eventually, around 7,000 of them were exiled to Ikaria via military landing craft.

The "Lakes Plan": KKE's Strategy for an Independent State in Northern Greece

Napoleon Zervas

In order to provide an accurate historical perspective, we present the Rizospastis article from December 17, 1996, detailing the "Lakes Plan," allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. Apart from Rizospastis, we have also referenced Nikolaos G. Mertzos' book, Svarnout: The Betrayed Guerrilla Warfare (10th edition, Herodios Publishing, Thessaloniki, 2010).

"Lakes": The Military Action Plan of the Democratic Army of Greece (DSE)

Strictly Confidential

"Lakes Plan"

Political Context

At this moment, conditions have matured for the fulfillment of the Democratic Army’s primary strategic objective: establishing a liberated territory in Macedonia and freeing the entire Macedonia-Thrace region, with Thessaloniki as its focal point. Strategically, certain prerequisites must be met, as outlined below.

Enemy Forces

A. Manpower

National Army: 100,000 soldiers, of whom 40,000 are active-duty troops.
Gendarmerie: 30,000 men, with 15,000 deployed in the field.
Armed Militias (MAY): 40,000 members, with 5,000 active combatants.
Total Forces Nationwide: 170,000 men, with 60,000 actively engaged in operations.
Central and Western Macedonia: 59,000 troops, with 23,000 in active duty.
Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace Combined: 88,000 troops, with 32,000 in active duty.

B. Equipment

Infantry Weapons: Each battalion has 45 Bren light machine guns, 45 Thompson submachine guns, 2–4 heavy mortars (two of which are American-made), 2 Vickers machine guns, and 3 PIAT anti-tank weapons per company. Ammunition is abundant.
Artillery: Four artillery pieces per brigade.
Armored Units: One regiment of armored vehicles and light tanks per division.
Communications: One 22-watt radio per battalion, with field radios for companies and platoons. Optical communication devices are also available.
Logistics: Well-organized, with ample supplies.

Democratic Army of Greece (DSE) Forces

A. Manpower

Total Nationwide: 24,000 fighters, with 18,000 in active duty.
Central and Western Macedonia: 10,500 fighters, with 8,000 in active duty.
Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace Combined: 15,000 fighters, with 11,000 in active duty.
Overall Strength Ratio: Approximately 1:3 in favor of the enemy.

B. Equipment

Infantry Weapons: Various automatic and semi-automatic weapons, but significant shortages in Central and Western Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace. Severe shortages in Thessaly, Central Greece (Roumeli), and the Peloponnese.
Mortars: One to two per battalion in Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace; half a mortar to one per battalion in Thessaly, Roumeli, and the Peloponnese.
Artillery: Only five pieces in total.
Explosives: Minimal in Macedonia, Epirus, and Thrace; entirely absent in Thessaly, Roumeli, and the Peloponnese.
Armored Vehicles: None.
Communications: Only one radio per regional command. Most local headquarters lack radio equipment, and battalions have none.
Transport: Completely inadequate for operational needs.
Logistics: Poorly organized, with supply sources insufficient to meet demands.

Military Prerequisites for Achieving the DSE’s Goals

A. Quantitative Growth

DSE forces must rapidly expand, aiming to triple in size by the spring of 1948. Growth should be prioritized in Central and Western Macedonia to create reserves for the main offensive against Thessaloniki.

B. Organizational Preparation

Immediate establishment of structured army units, gradually extending throughout the DSE by spring.
Acquisition and distribution of necessary equipment to arm 60,000 troops.
Recruitment and training of specialized personnel (engineers, radio operators, saboteurs, miners, etc.).
Procurement of essential materials for fortifications and transportation.
Rapid establishment of a sustainable supply chain.

DSE Action Plan Leading to the Main Offensive

Primary Objectives

Establish firm control over the Kalabaka-Metsovo-Ioannina route, securing territorial continuity between Macedonia, Epirus, and Thessaly.
Dominate key roadways: Larissa-Elassona-Kozani and Larissa-Tempi-Katerini, linking the Hasi, Pieria, Olympus, and Kissavos mountain ranges.
Maintain control over the Kozani plateau up to the Axios River, severing Western Macedonia from the south and reinforcing Central Macedonia.
Launch decisive offensives to create a liberated area spanning Konitsa-Metsovo, Grevena-Tsotyli-Nestorio.

Secondary Objectives

Epirus: Establish permanent bases in Pogoni and Lakka Souli; control the Arta-Preveza-Ioannina route.
Thessaly: Expel enemy forces from the Pindus mountain range.
Roumeli: Secure the Lamia-Karpenisi road, linking Thessaly and Roumeli; intensify operations around Athens and Evia.
Eastern Macedonia-Thrace: Expand DSE forces to 10,000 men, establish dominance in Zirnovo plateau, and fortify positions in Mount Haidou.