Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. In South America they throw flowers to you. In Greece Greeks throw themselves.

And, of course, it must be asked: is it proper to transact with the Turks for the most reassured of Greek possessions when Greece is under Turkish invasion and subjugation?

After independence was gained, one of the first Acts passed by the Greek government was for the protection and preservation of national monuments.

Much has been said and continues to be said of what little concern the Turks had for the Acropolis treasures.

Enthusiasm is a wonderful thing. In South America they throw flowers to you. In Greece Greeks throw themselves.

You must understand what the Parthenon Marbles mean to us. They are our pride. They are our sacrifices. They are our noblest symbol of excellence. They are a tribute to the democratic philosophy. They are our aspirations and our name. They are the essence of Greekness.

There are no such things as the Elgin Marbles.