The New Greek Government
To be the head of a Greek Government in this period of transi- tion is a thankless task, and General Plastiras, having been the object of persistent attacks, more especially from the Royalists and the Right, has been called upon by the Regent to resign. The event which precipitated his fall was the publication of a letter written in 1941, which sought to bring about a negotiated peace between Greece and Italy through German intervention. But the Arch- bishop Regent, a shrewd judge of affairs, felt that a Government differently composed was necessary " for dispatching the business in hand," and sent for Admiral Voulgaris, who has Royalist sym- pathies. He has not, however, set up a predominantly Royalist Cabinet, but one in which Republicans and Royalists are evenly balanced, and the Ministers are not primarily politicians. It is of good omen that the change has been made without any disturbance, and General Plastiras, with a farewell message to the Army urging it to avoid politics, has retired with dignity. There is no indication that the new Government proposes to rush the country precipitately into a premature plebiscite on the question of the MOnarchy. What is needed above all things in Greece today is time in which to settle down and get at least the beginnings of business and normal life going again. At present the country is dependent upon the services which are being rendered in all sorts of capacities by the British Army. This cannot go on indefinitely, and in the period of transi- tion it is necessary that a Greek Government, as little preoccupied as possible with politics, should get the machinery of government going again. The Regent appears to be devoting his energies to minimising the sterile efforts of party agitators—a task which will not be free from anxieties while partisans are playing for position pending the plebiscite and the general election.
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