April 28, 1954
WHAT IS A GREEK: The prime minister, Field Marshal Alexandros Papagos, yesterday received the leader of the United Democratic Left (EDA), Mr Ioannis Passalidis, who brought up the question of the domestic peace process, which is still pending despite the government’s promises. In reply, Field Marshal Papagos made the following statement: «I have not forgotten my promise to implement a policy of political forgiveness. However, there was never any plan to implement it at the expense of national security. This policy is aimed at bringing back into the ranks of the nation’s family only those who sincerely repent – and have indicated as much in practice – their unpatriotic activities and those aimed at overthrowing the State. The unrepentant and those who still want to undermine our national security are obviously not included. I would like to say that EDA would not be able to contribute to the full implementation of this policy. As far as I am aware, EDA has never renounced the Communist Party’s (KKE) unpatriotic slogans and never distinguished between its own responsibilities and those of unpatriotic organizations affiliated with KKE.»
