Were the Beatles used as propaganda by Greece’s military rulers?

Junta hoped group’s devotion to the country would help offset global condemnation, says veteran journalist

In the summer of love, on a hot July day, John Lennon was sitting by a lake in central Greece. The Beatles were on their way to Delphi, via the mountain village of Arachova. Lennon, who was splayed across the grass next to his first wife, Cynthia, and their young son, Julian, appeared to be lost in thought.

The rest of the band were lapping up the rays, knocking back beers and splashing about in the lake. Labis Tsirigotakis, then a cub reporter on the Greek daily, To Vima, realised this was his big chance. Sensing a scoop, he moved closer. “John, can I ask you a few questions?” he asked.