The Greek Dictatorship The publication in a Sunday newspaper of
a long inter- view with General Metaxas reminds us that it is nearly two years since Greece seceded, as a sequel to the Venizelist insurrection of March, 1935, from the ranks of democratic states. The transition was a relatively painless one, and the notorious scurrility of the Greek Press under the democratic regime lends point to the Dictator's defence of his censorship. But General Metaxas is particularly concerned to exculpate himself from the charge of being under German influence. Greek foreign policy is, in fact, determined less by the form of her constitution than by her economic needs. Her two principal exports are currants and tobacco. Great Britain is her chief market for the one and Germany for the other ; and Greece cannot afford the luxury of a quarrel with either of her two leading customers. Moreover, Greece, as a maritime Power, is particularly sensitive to the balance of naval forces in the Mediterranean. Fortunately for her, friendship with Italy has not hitherto proved incompatible with friendship with Great Britain ; and since 1930 relations with her closest neighbour, Turkey, have also been excellent.
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