europaslayer
Junior Boarder
Posts: 22
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I was wondering if there was someone out there who could help me with this question. I know the US and the UK were very concerned about a possible communist takeover in Greece, and supplied a great deal of military aid to that country after World War II. I have heard of Operation Torch, among others, where military planes bombed (including the use of Napalm) communist supporters in northern Greece, where they were seeking refuge.
Until recently, I thought it was the Greek military (albeit using American and British weaponry) which did the actual bombing, but I have now heard reports that it was actually the US military which did the napalming.
Does anyone know one way or another? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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Wayne McCoy
Junior Boarder
Posts: 32
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This seems not very likely, but the date might help. The USA had no bases in that part of the world (except in wartime Italy) until NATO had taken shape (and the NATO treaty was not even inked until 1949.
After the war, Greece was in the (Yalta-agreed) British 'sphere of influence,' i.e. Britain tried to help those Greek politicians it favoured, who were opposed by Communist guerillas left over from the war. In 1947 Britain decided it could no longer afford this military activity and military subsidy, but before withdrawing asked the US government if it would like to take up Britain's role in Greece. The USG accepted: this decision became known as the Truman Doctrine to 'contain' Communism by aiding non-Communist governments; (and not long thereafter the Marshall Plan was proposed for economic reconstruction in Europe.)
At the time, probably few Americans paid much attention. There were obviously US 'advisers' in Greece from late 1947 but it seems unlikely US armed forces were deployed.
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