“Hidden truths” by Yiannakis Colocasides, member of the C.C. of AKEL, Historian

 

2nd November, 2014

 

British security services archives covering the period 1945-1962 which have only just recently been declassified characterise Grivas, inter alia, as a vehement anti-communist, arrogant and someone who thought too much of himself. These characterisations are precise and reflect reality. However, it would be a mistake to consider that they are simply various aspects of his character. Even more so, they illustrate and reflect his fascist ideology and corresponding mentality he was embodied with.

Of course we do not need to read the British declassified archives to learn who Grivas was. If someone were to study Grivas’ own writings one would conclude with great ease by noting Grivas’ own admissions and recordings all that the British attribute to him, but a lot more too. We shall list some indicative references from Grivas’ “Diary” and “Memoirs”. We shall not concentrate on Grivas’ anti-communism as this is acknowledged by everyone.

First of all, Grivas, full of arrogance and with a big idea about himself, believed that he was sent on a mission from God to save Cyprus, if not Hellenism. Hence, in his “Memoirs” page 32 we read the following: “Divine providence guides me in my decisions; it guided my actions and gave me mental and physical endurance. I have never yielded, never felt tired and never flinched. This is why my actions are successful. I consider that this is down entirely to God.”

Further on, we read on page 39 that he admires himself and again refers to divine guidance: “…Today I wonder too how is it possible for a man, without staffs to inform and advise him, a tired mind and body, after the extension of such a fierce struggle can take decisions so correct…I attribute this to God”.

Concluding the chapter of self-admiration and divine mission we should point out that all the fascist leaders such as Hitler, Mussolini, Franco, Metaxas etc. believed that God had sent them on a mission to rescue their country and indeed the world.

Given that he had such a big idea of himself, it was quite natural that Grivas despised and scorned those around him. We read the following reference dated 28th April 1955 in his “Memoirs”: “Unfortunately I can’t find people, most of them are cowards”. One reference to Afxentiou dated 4th April 1955 is particularly revealing: “AVEROF has notified that ZIDROS is in the village of Lisi and not in Akanthou. This is yet another shambles. Now that he is on the wanted list, he demands we move him there. He hasn’t replied to a previous appeal to tell us where he is so we can move him. He himself hasn’t asked to contact us as he was ordered to before the operations. How is it possible to work and fulfil a Plan against the English when two of your main leaders have the mentality I explained beforehand? Now I am alone…However God will help me…I only trust Him, and not people.”

The references in his “Memoirs” are particularly interesting since they were Grivas’ own personal thoughts that were not destined to be published.

The following reference to Grivas’ authoritarianism and mentality are also very characteristic: “Nevertheless, enormous efforts over many years were needed to achieve my desired result so that Cypriot youth could think and act as one and blindly obey my orders.” (“Memoirs”, page 39). This was his vision for the youth – to blindly obey him!

The British declassified archives also revealed that Grivas had no misgivings about and took decisions easily about killing anyone. This is what he writes on this matter on page 370 of his “Memoirs”: “I am extremely stubborn and do not compromise with anyone when I consider that I am in the right and especially when they seek to trick me. Therefore, no compromise is possible on my part; I don’t care even if I tramp on dead bodies as I believe this is how I serve the struggle.”

And Grivas did indeed tramp on dead bodies. Makarios Droushiotis in 2005 published a list of 198 Greek Cypriots who were executed by EOKA. Add to those, 14 Greek Cypriot policemen. (How is it possible for so many traitors to exist?) To those, we should add English civilians and ordinary Turkish Cypriots who had no ties with the TMT organisation. Furthermore, we shouldn’t forget the victims of the terror unleashed by EOKA B.

In the British declassified archives it is noted that Makarios in February 1958 had confessed to some people that “We must find a way out of the Cyprus deadlock”. However, Grivas also talked about a deadlock as well in his letter to Averof in August of the same year, stressing that: “…the armed struggle whose aim was to assist the diplomatic struggle is today facing a deadlock…” (“Memoirs”, page 285).

So, how a struggle, that was facing a deadlock just before it ended, resulted in victory, as certain circles and forces claim, is – to say the very least – worth wondering…

In my opinion, I am not aware that there has been any reaction from Grivas’ well-known apologists and admirers about what the British reveal in their declassified documents. As one friend said those who knew him will not have a different view from the English, which is why they are not reacting!

The British documents, even the ones they release from time to time, and not all of them, and certainly not the most important documents, are useful to be studied and publicized by the new researchers of Cyprus’ modern history so that the hidden truths are finally brought out into the open.