GIANT DEMONSTRATION IN ATHENS
The ‘Greek people may be flexing their muscles for another | round with the'hated monarchy, judging from the turnout. .in Athens February 16° to greet former Premier: ‘Paparidreou.-It. was . estimated to be the largest: popular demonstration yet seen in the. :city. --. some 500 , 000 pouring into the streets.
The - demonstration. was organized. by. ‘the ‘United. Genter. with the active support of the Communist EDA [United Democratic Left]. slogans shouted by the crowd included, "Papandreou!" ‘Blestagnel®
"Democracy!"
The scene“reminded. observers of the crisis last summer when the king dismissed Papandreou. The crowds that then jammed the streets demonstrated their readiness again and again to sweep out the monarchy. But: the revolutionary energy of the masses was. slowly dissipated’ through the common policy of Papandreou and the EDA leaders in centering action in parliament and playing down. street demonstrations to the utmost. Eventually the reactionary supporters of the king managed to win a slim:majority in parliament with the aid of sectors. of Papandreou ' s° “forces” that went over to the monarchy.
The: governnent” ‘press dismissed the February 16 demonstration. as revealing "little enthusiasm. ": Court circles indicated that no change would be made in the regime's course. Most certainly no con-. cession would be granted to the popular demand for immediate elec-
The leftist ‘press hailed the appearance of the giant crowd,
which exceeded all their expectations. The center newspaper Vima said, "A popular mobilization without precedent." And Afghi, “the EDA newspaper, said, “The people have spoken."