 General Archibald Wavell , the commander of British Army forces in the Middle East , when in Greece from 11 – 13 April had warned Wilson that he must expect no reinforcements and had authorised Major General Freddie de Guingand to discuss evacuation plans with certain responsible officers . Nevertheless , the British could not at this stage adopt or even mention this course of action ; the suggestion had to come from the Greek Government . The following day , Papagos made the first move when he suggested to Wilson that W Force be withdrawn . Wilson informed Middle East Headquarters and on 17 April , Rear admiral H. T. Baillie @-@ Grohman was sent to Greece to prepare for the evacuation . That day Wilson hastened to Athens where he attended a conference with the King , Papagos , d 'Albiac and Rear admiral Turle . In the evening , after telling the King that he felt he had failed him in the task entrusted to him , Prime Minister Koryzis committed suicide . On 21 April , the final decision to evacuate Empire forces to Crete and Egypt was taken and Wavell — in confirmation of verbal instructions — sent his written orders to Wilson . 
