Post-war Political Tutelage, January 1945–February 1947

Abstract

Having saved Greece from the EAM, the British now had to try to save it from itself. The fighting stopped in January 1945, but the truce had to be enforced by the British bayonets sent in to quell the Second Round. The Government needed massive support if it was to survive. As the saviours of the nation and the guarantors of its safety, the British had to ensure that the new administration would establish law and order, rebuild the shattered economy, and conduct the plebiscite and elections promised by the Varkiza agreement. Failure in any of these tasks could lead to a revival of EAM and a new left-wing revolt or a right-wing dictatorship.