Greece Holds Firm while Britain Bends on Acropolis Marbles
Saturday June 13, 2009
In what could be the beginning of the end for the "captivity" of the Acropolis/Elgin Marbles at the British Museum, museum authorities in London have suggested they might be open to "lending" the disputed sculptures to the New Acropolis Museum for a short time to celebrate its opening next week. Greece has responded that that's just not good enough and that accepting the loan would essentially recognize the British Museum's legal right to ownership of the marbles.
The British don't want that "right" examined too closely. Even Lord Elgin's original agreement with the Ottoman Pasha doesn't clearly state that he was welcome to take them back home with him.
So, in the meantime, the beautiful floor which has been put aside for the permanent return of the marbles will remain empty.
CBC: Greece refuses loan of Parthenon marbles
New Acropolis Museum Picture Gallery
If this were just another archaeological find from past centuries, the case would be arguable that it was too late for redress. But the historic importance of this piece argues that Greece must have them returned. There seems no room for debate at all.
Greece were treated as a “Colony”, stripped of Her valuabels, and carted “Home” to be displayed to the Victorians. Let us show the World how giving we are and return what is rightfully theirs.