 Following a March conference in Athens , the British believed that they would combine with Greek forces to occupy the Haliacmon Line — a short front facing north @-@ eastwards along the <unk> Mountains and the lower Haliacmon river . Papagos awaited clarification from the Yugoslav government and later proposed to hold the Metaxas Line — by then a symbol of national security to the Greek populace — and not withdraw divisions from Albania . He argued that to do so would be seen as a concession to the Italians . The strategically important port of Thessaloniki lay practically undefended and transportation of British troops to the city remained dangerous . Papagos proposed to take advantage of the area 's terrain and prepare fortifications , while also protecting Thessaloniki . 
