HC Deb 14 March 1945 vol 409 cc205-6
4. Mr. Driberģ

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the necessity of securing and maintaining the broad and representative character of the present Provisional Government in Greece, in accordance with the express views and undertakings of His Majesty's Government, he will make a statement on the recent dismissal of prominent members of E.A.M. from academic posts in Athens.

Mr. Eden

I understand that there have been no dismissals. Four professors of the University of Athens will be examined by a committee of their fellow professors, who will decide whether to place them en disponibilite for actual connection with the recent insurrection. In that case, they will receive their salaries but will remain outside university life until the Government which results from the forthcoming elections, makes a final decision on their case. This procedure is in strict accordance with Article 7 of the Varkiza Agreement concerning, the purge of the Civil Service.

Mr. Driberģ

Is it not the case that two of these professors—Svolos and Angelopoulos—are men of high integrity, who could not possibly have been associated with any of the worse features of the recent disturbances, and will my right hon. Friend continue to press for the observance of the spirit, as well as the letter, of the truce?

Mr. Eden

I have looked into this matter, and I think that the spirit and the letter have been perfectly observed.

Mr. John Duģdate

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that' we are concerned not only that these gentlemen shall receive their pay but that they shall also be able to preach their democratic principles in the universities?

Mr. Eden

I am bound to say that they did not practise democratic principles when they had the chance.

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