In the spring and summer of 1943 the communist (ELAS) and the non-communist (EDES) resistance groups often clashed between themselves in the Tzoumerka region. It was a situation fraught with difficulties for both sides, so there were some efforts to diffuse tensions and come to an agreement of cooperation. In July 1943 the two sides signed a protocol to establish a joint military headquarters in Agnanta. Napoleon Zervas (leader of EDES) and Aris Velouchiotis (the most prominent general of ELAS) went on a joint tour of Tzoumerka to promote the resistance movement among the villagers. Unfortunately this spirit of cooperation soon collapsed and civil war broke out in the fall.