50 Years Ago Today
MARKEZINIS AGAINST THE AMERICANS: New York, 7 – The Kyrikas-Vima correspondent reports from Athens that Spiros Markezinis spoke to the press about relations between the American Embassy and Greek governments. These relations, he said, have developed in such a way that in some circumstances it is hard to believe the extent of the dependence of our internal and external affairs on the embassy. The Greek Rally is convinced that the United States does not have imperialist aims in Greece. Marshal Papagos is 100 percent in support of America in its struggle against Russia for democracy and freedom. Hence it would be bad for the Greeks and the Americans if matters continue as they are. American aid worth $1.5 billion has been given to Greece, but instead of Greek plans for reconstruction being made by Greeks, the plans are American and people rush to the American ambassador to ask his opinion. We must draw up the plans ourselves and give the Americans explanations afterward. It is a question of pride. The Greeks are a proud and individualistic people. The second example he cited of US dependence in a purely internal matter was the recent public servants’ strike in which Purifoy himself became involved. Despite initial objections, all Turkish political parties represented in Parliament have agreed to vote for the reforms, therefore no last-minute complications are expected. Nevertheless, these reforms satisfy only a fraction of the conditions necessary for true democracy. This is not only the view of organizations fighting for democratic and human rights, but that of European Union officials and prominent Turks.
