HC Deb 19 February 1946 vol 419 c191W
Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for War on what occasions British troops have taken action against terrorists of the X organisation, the Military League or other Right-wing terrorists in Greece.

Mr. Lawson

Since the signing of the Varkiza Agreement, which terminated the Civil War on 12th February, 1945, the responsibility for law and order in Greece has lain on the Greek Government. However, because the Government had not the necessary security forces reorganised before the late summer of 1945, British troops helped to maintain order by constant patrolling with such Greek troops as were available. I am not aware of the exact number of occasions on which minor clashes took place nor of the political parties to which the terrorists were affiliated.

In all such actions British troops were present only to assist Greek troops, who were also present. The actions were in every case carried out against persons carrying arms and menacing public security. Since October, 1945, the active assistance of British troops in support of the Greek armed forces in maintaining order has not been required.