According to Formula

Above the historic stones of the Acropolis last week fluttered not only the Nazi swastika but also the azure-&-white banner of Greece. "An elegant expression that we honor Greece," declared a German correspondent in Athens. But beneath the twin emblems the Nazis energetically concerned themselves not so much with honor as with the business of practical conquest.

In Athens rugged, bronzed, handsome General Giorgios Tsolakoglou denounced the flight of King George II to the island of Crete as cowardly, announced the formation of a new Greek Government headed by himself and an Army cabal. No man could say whether or not General Tsolakoglou was a quisling. For King and country the Army of Epirus had bravely fought the Italians for six months before he surrendered it to the Nazis at Salonika three weeks ago. With the departure of George II's Government and with the retirement of Commander in Chief General Alexander Papagos, somebody had to lead the conquered for the conqueror.

A lifelong military careerist with no political experience, General Tsolakoglou called on all Greeks, soldiers or private citizens, to cease fighting. "Any further bloodshed would be senseless and suicidal," he said. "Everyone should join in giving thanks for the resurrection of Greece and stop fighting for foreign interests."

From Berlin there were prompt reports that General Tsolakoglou's new Government would be "welcomed." But prominent Greek Orthodox clergymen refused to swear in Tsolakoglou, and he finally took his oath before a lowly priest.

In mountainous, seagirt Crete, 150 miles south, King George's refugee Government speedily repudiated General Tsolakoglou. Last week no Nazi banners flew beside the cool flags of Greece rippling over Crete. But above the island's snow-streaked mountains, above its olive groves and fields of fire-colored poppies, roared the Nazi advance guard--dark Stukas and silvery Junkers bombing Greek and British transports and warships in Cretan harbors.

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