As matters reached a climax at Alexandria I telegraphed to the Naval Commander-in-Chief:
17 Apr 44
You should leave the senior member of the Averoff* in no doubt that his guarantee that the use of firearms will be avoided will not be reciprocated by us. We shall fire on mutineers whenever it is necessary. No officers or sailors of the Greek Navy have the slightest right to meddle in the formation of the new Government. Their duty is to obey the orders they receive from the Greek Government recognised by the Great Allies.
*Greek cruiser.
Winston S. Churchill, Closing the Ring