Evening star., 1944-10-22
Greeks Will Have Aid,
No Bossing, From U. S.
Commentator Stresses Intention
To Avoid Partisan Choice
By Gdrnett D. Horner.

By Garnett D. Horner.
American officials who hope that the
Greek people will be able to settle their
internal political problems among them
selves In democratic manher, and
without further civil strife or outside
interference, saw some ground for op-
timism last week.
The Papandreou unity" government,
returning aboard Greek warship from
long exile in London, Cairo and Italy,
established itself In Athens as British
troops moved in to clear away the
remnants of any of the fleeing Ger
mans and to be on hand for any pos
sible police needs.
First reports indicated that the gov
ernment's authority was accepted calm
ly, with the task Of completing liberia
ton and rehabilitating a Nazi-ravaged
Greece apparently having sobering
and unifying effect upon the warning
political factions within the country.
The future role of King George II and
internal conflicts between the Com
munist-dominated EAM-ELAS orpani-
zation and anti Communist forces led
by Gen. Napoleon Zervas have been the
chief disturbing factors in the Greek
situation
All signs point to definite sentiment
among the Greek people against the re-
turn OF the King. He has promised that
he will make no attempt to re-enter
the country pending a free expression
OF the peoples will. It Is hoped that
the issue can be kept in the BACKGROUND
until an election can be held in a calm
atmosphere.
Within the country, the Zervas forces
and Gen. Sarafis. commander of ELIAS
the fighting wing of the radical move
ment-agreed some time ago to place
themselves under British military COM
mand and to recognize the authority of
the Greek government, in which both
factions now are represented, subduine
their differences for the sake of unity
against the common enemy.
1t remains to be seen how well the
coalition government can hold together
under the stress and strain of severe
economic dislocation and natural lock-
eying for position among the discordant
political groups.
Whatever happens, the United States
Governments firm policy is not to inter-
tere with settlement by the Greek people
OF their own problems in their own Wav.
In line with this policy, only handful
OF American Army personnel is accom-
panylng the British occupation force
Activities of the American contingent
are limited strictly to those directly con-
nected with relief and rehabilitation
work. Americans will aid in the dis
tribution of American food and other
supplies which are being sent into
Greece in as large quantities as military
neeos permit But they will take no
part In any possible police measures
the British troops might be forced to
take in support of the government If
the lid should blow off the explosive
political situation.
British prestige in Greece already has
suffered to some extent as a result of
actions that have created suspicion Il at
the Papandreou government is largely
under British direction. American off,
clals hope to keep the record clear Of
any sign of interference in internal
Greek affairs by this Government.
A recent incident illustrates the point
British Prime Minister Churchill went
over plans for the current Greek oner-
atoms with the Allied military chiefta,ns
IN the Mediterranean theater during his
visit to Italy few weeks ago. 1t was
oecloed that the planning would be
1aciiltated if the Greek government
moved from Cairo to Italy, where it
could work more closely with British
leaoerS concerned in the operation
inls decision was carried out bv Greek
Premier George Papandreou. The Lib
eraI party members of his cabinet re-
signed, protesting what they called his
personal policy.
Inc United States Government mani
tested its displeasure at the way the
matter was handled and demonstrated
10 the Greeks that it was not associated
with any outside manipulation of the
Greek government by declining to move
It's Embassy to Greece from Cairo to
Italy.
Harold Shantz, counselor of the En-
oassy, kept in touch with the members
OF the government who did 20 to Italv
by making few visits there while AM
bassador Lincoln Macveagh remained
IN Cairo. Mr.. Shantz now is in Athens
reporting to the State Department on
Greek government affairs there. Mr.
MacVeagh and the remainder of his
staff are expected to proceed soon to
Athens.
There is some hope that the incident
OF the government move to Italv NAV
be smoothed over soon, as concerns the
Liberal party members who resigned
Ihey may be persuaded to come back
into the cabinet. British officials are
doing everything they can to overcome
the suspicion of undue meddling.