January 10, 1953
PAPAGOS-PASALIDIS: The prime minister, Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos, received the leader of the United Democratic Left (EDA), Mr Pasalidis, who protested against an order issued by the justice minister, Mr Babakos, separating communists from common criminals, though the minister of the interior, Mr Pafsanias Lykourezos, had refused to characterize communists as political prisoners. Mr Pasalidis claimed, among other things, that not calling communists political prisoners would give the country a bad name as it would considerably raise the number of criminals in prison. Field Marshal Papagos assured Mr Pasalidis that he would take a personal interest in the matter and would consult with the relevant ministers. Mr Pasalidis then asked the prime minister to implement his campaign promise to release all political prisoners. In reply, Field Marshal Papagos announced that he had already ordered the release of 260 men and women and that within a short period of time more would be released, in order to reduce the total number of people in prison as far as possible. AMERICAN EXCAVATIONS: Next week, American excavations will begin in the Ancient Agora under the supervision of Mr Thompson. The antiquities ephorate head, Mr Threpsiadis, is to supervise the dig on behalf of the Greek State.
