A LOSS TO GREECE?
SIR,—Your comments in a recent issue of the Spectator on Mr. Markezinis's resignation seem to have been influenced by the intensive, and formerly unusual in Greek political life, propaganda organised around his person, and to show, once more, how difficult it is for the English rightly to understand Greek psychology and politics, especially from a distance.
Actually, the reasons of Mr. Markezinis's resignation are more serious than one might infer from your note. By his elimination, a cause of friction and resentment within the Cabinet, of ill-considered, sensationalist and hazardous actions, and of unpopularity has been removed, thus making the Government's prospects, if anything, better than heretofore. The progress with the country's economic problem § so far made would certainly have been greater and more stable had the right person for the post of economic co-ordina- tor been used. Mr. Markezinis, whatever his qualifications, was not that man.
When the government of the Greek Rally was formed and Field-Marshal Papagos appointed Mr. Markezinis to be Minister of Co-ordination with virtually dictatorial powers, responsible Greek observers doubted the wisdom of the choice. His intelligence and zeal were not underrated, but it was felt that, because of his political inexperience, his being unfamiliar with economic problems, and his character and temperament,- he was not suitable for such a post.
More perhaps than any other country Greece needed, and still needs, the services of an economist of authority, willing to undertake the task of putting its finances in order and appropriately reorganising its economy. The right person for that task ,would be the eminent Greek economist Professor K. Varvaressos, who is at present financial adviser at the World Bank, and who, about two years ago, went to Greece at the request of the then Prime Minister, the late General Plastiras, made a thorough study of the economic conditions, and submitted an excellent report outlining the policies indicated for the economic restoration and progress of Greece. It is to be hoped that what Marshal Papagos, perhaps out of loyalty to Mr. Markezinis, failed to do at the time he formed his government, he will do now by inviting Professor Varvaressos to assume direction for a year or two, if not more, of the economic affairs of Greece. the collaboration of the distinguished Greek' diplomatist and political writer, Mr. Pi Pipinelis, and appoint him Minister ot Foreign Affairs.—Yours faithfully,
6 Cornwall Gardens, London, S.W.7
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