§ 8. Major Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British military mission in Athens can obtain information showing the number of former members of E.L.A.S. who are now commissioned officers on the active list of the Greek army; the number of ex-members of the security battalions similarly employed; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BevinIt is the hope of His Majesty's Government that the Greek Army will be built up into an efficient and non-political force. In these circumstances, I am not prepared to make any statement concerning the political affiliations of Greek army officers, particularly since such a statement would involve extensive enquiries into the internal affairs of another State.
§ Major WilkesSince His Majesty's Government are committed to the arming and provision of tanks and other weapons for the Greek army, is it not a matter of some interest to the Government and their 1125 military advisers whether or not the leading officers in the Greek Army are men who have had a collaborationist past during the German occupation?
§ Mr. BevinReally, this is a matter for the Greek Government. I cannot conduct this investigation from outside. I believe the Army officers are trying to create an unpolitical army and I do not propose to interfere.