Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, Episode

68, Greek Fire, Part 1.

By the middle of 1939, British attempts to diplomatically separate Italy and its fickle

leader from Germany had run its course, with little to show for it.

But during Britain's attempts at clever diplomacy, it seemed to me to access in his country

that, quote, Britain had no particular use for her small and loyal friend, unquote.

And mostly, they were right.

But Mussolini had thrown in his lot with Germany, and the lines were drawn.

So London was back to square one, looking for allies.

In a gesture that was more of an apology rather than substance, in July of 1939, Britain

loaned Greece 2 million pounds sterling, free armament.

This may sound impressive, but it was only a drop in the bucket for what Greece needed,

and the UK knew it.

However, in the end, even this gesture really did matter.

The Texas found getting deliveries from the UK was practically impossible, as their home

island was rushing to beef up its defensive capabilities.

Still, it was the beginning of a long political dance with a goal of standing together.

Another step forward for the improvement of Anglo-Greek relations was the new British

Minister to Greece, Sir Michael Palare.

Appointed in June 1939, the Texas was at first not happy with this Roman Catholic in his

capital.

But Palare would become a staunch ally, believing in the Greek cause and its people.

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