August 31, 1952
KING REJECTS MINISTER: King Pavlos has refused to approve the appointment of Mr Savvas Papapolitis as minister of education, and has returned the relevant decree unsigned (…). The move has led to great astonishment among politicians. It appears that the king did not approve of Mr Papapolitis – who belongs to the extreme left of the EPEK party and is indirectly linked to a left-wing morning newspaper – as a suitable person to lead the Education Ministry. THE ALLIED FACTOR: The allies have also expressed strong disapproval of the appointment of Mr Papapolitis. In fact, the Americans have let it be known that they considered the particular appointment of Mr Papapolitis to the post of education minster as a major blunder for the Plastiras government. C. KARAMANLIS: In yesterday’s pro-government newspapers there were various reports that a breach was about to be opened within the Greek Rally party due to the departure of Messrs Panayiotis Kanellopoulos and Constantine Karamanlis with 15 deputies. According to the reports, they are negotiating with the People’s party to reform it on a more stable basis. (…) Mr Karamanlis, on being questioned about the issue, said the reports were rumors that were unworthy of denial. COFFEE DISTRIBUTION: As of tomorrow, the distribution of 17.5 drams (55 grams) of coffee per person will be distributed in Athens and Macedonia.
