OPINION

JANUARY 7, 1952

G. PAPANDREOU AND THE IDEA GROUP: In today’s issue of George Papandreou’s newspaper Hellas there is the following commentary on the military group known as IDEA (a Greek acronym for the «Sacred Bond of Greek Officers»): «The Defense Minister has said that the law will be implemented in the case of the military group known as IDEA. He has written that, in particular, the alleged leader of the group, Field Marshal Papagos, should be prosecuted. This is wrong! In the case of IDEA, the criteria cannot be solely legal, but political and national. What is in the interest of the army and the nation? According to the law, all officers who took part in the association – meaning the vast majority of them – should be prosecuted. Dismissal from the army should be the least punishment meted out to them, for violating the most fundamental regulations by founding a paramilitary organization. Field Marshal Papagos should also be prosecuted, for although he may not have led the group, he at least knew of its existence. But what would be the result of such action? Nothing but the dissolution of the army!

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.