June 18, 1969

Greek Junta May Have Stopped War

There is an old Indian proverb to the effect that you can't know another man until you have walked in his moccasins.

The truth of this observation impressed me during a recent two-week international conference attended by Rotary Club officials representing 145 countries.

While considering with each other the ways of helping people in personal need, we obtained new perspective of the diverse and complex problems troubling this world of ours.

It is so easy - from the assurance of ignorance - to advise others.  It is so difficult -- weighing, conflicting solutions - to choose the right path.

Now I think twice, for example, when I read that the military junta in Greece is evil and oppressive.

Who tells me the present Greek government is anti-democratic?

Why, an emotional actress who now lives in the U.S.; some escaped prisoners whose innocence has to be assumed on their word; journalists who arrived late on the scene and report the effects but not the causes; excited tourists bubbling with hearsay stories tossed off by cab drivers, guides and waiters.

Is the truth in them?

Perhaps.

But I am not sure because at the international service conference I walked in the shoes of Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Machairas of Athens, Greece.  For several evenings, over punch and cookies, we discussed the unrest in our countries.

Andreas says, "We are sad over the suspension of our constitution.  We gave democracy to the world.  Yet we came within inches of losing our democracy to the Communists by subversion and violence.  Better to entrust our fate to Greek generals of recognized honor than to Russian generals who would do to us what they did to Hungary and Czechoslovakia."

He explained that prior to the military takeover in April 1967, his country was in political chaos over the Cyprus dispute with Turkey.  Young communists roamed the streets organizing mobs that fought, burned and looted.  The universities were paralyzed.

"The Americans saved us and Turkey from the same kind of Communist subversion in 1947 with the Truman Doctrine of economic and military aid," said Andreas.  "This time, the United States was tied down in Vietnam and Korea.  We could not expect a second miracle from Uncle Sam.

"Constitutional government was, at a standstill, the fever to fight Turkey had been whipped to an emotional frenzy by the young radicals," he said.

"The military stepped in to prevent anarchy and preserve Greek independence.  Some may quarrel with their methods, but responsible citizens trust their integrity and good intentions."

In support of Andreas' statement, it should be noted that the Greek junta backed away from a confrontation with Turkey - also being goaded by communists - and agreed to a compromise that avoided war.  This was an act that had been impossible for the previous government subject to electoral pressures.  Thousands of political opponents were jailed.  However, all but about 2,000 alleged to be communist agitators were released in a few months.

The junta, under the guidance of George Papadopoulos, has moved toward a return to parliamentary rule at its own pace.  A new constitution styled a "crowned parliamentary democracy" was presented to the citizens for vote last year.  The proposed charter would strip the king of virtually all his authority.  The elected chief executive would receive greatly increased power.  The armed forces would get a special role as watch-dog of "national ideals and institutions."  Political parties would be restored.

The new charter was approved by 92 per cent of the voters in a nationwide referendum.

Now, some nine months later, King Constantine has not returned from self-imposed exile, political parties are still in limbo and special prisons are still filled with alleged communists.

Yet, the Machairas' are confident full democracy will be restored in due time.  Meanwhile, Greece is at peace with Turkey.  The universities are operating normally.  It is safe to walk the streets.  Tourists come and go unhindered.  And Greeks are free to travel abroad and mix with foreigners.  It is significant that there has been no mass exodus of Greeks fleeing "oppression".

I ponder the scare headlines and sly cartoons, but I trust the honesty and sincerity of the Machairas'.  He is a gentleman dedicated to helping others.  I feel strongly that neither he nor his gentle wife Voula who still cries when she speaks of the tragedies and hardships of Nazi occupation and post-war communist guerilla attacks - could approve of a regime that was not right for Greece under the circumstances of the time.

Having matched footsteps with Andreas and Voula I share with them the anguish of a solution less than perfect, even if the best possible.

I weep with them for ideals incompletely achieved.

Yet, I share their satisfaction in making an honest attempt.

I hope with them for a return of good will and understanding, within their great country and between Greece and the United States.

You see, Andreas and I are building a "bridge of friendship."  Having read this far, you have crossed the bridge with us.  None of us will again be as quick to criticize.

Those who walk in others' shoes are less sure, but more tolerant.

And tolerance is the first step toward peace.

Author: Lindsey Williams