PROCLAMATION TO GREEKS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23299, 8 April 1941, Page 7

PROCLAMATION TO GREEKS

KING’S MESSAGE.TO

ARMY

“WE WILL WIN WITH GOD’S BLESSING” / • • (Received April 7, 7 p.m.) (U.P.A.) LONDON, April 6. Kirtg George of Greece has issued the following proclamation: “The Greeks will defend their honour to the Iqst man. The mighty British Empire and the United States are on our side. We are fighting side by side with our brothers, the Jugoslavs, We will win with God's blessing.'' The proclamation added: “The German Minister in Athens called on the Premier at 5.30 a-lh; and notified him that the German army would attack Greece. Simultaneously, information from the front Showed that the German threats had been put into effect. Thus, at dawn bn March 6, 1941, the other member of the Axis repeated the events of the night of October .28, 1940. “Before this new coveting, of the honour, liberty, and Integrity of our country, the- Greek army and people are again called on fo do with power, magnanimity, and firmness their duty to their Fatherland, confident that they are right and with the blessing of God and the help of our valiant allies.” ; Large crowds gathered at military headquarters cheering the King, thy Prime Minister (M. Korizis), and generals $3 they Entered the building. There was strong emotion throughout Greece this morning when a broadcast of Mass in Athens cathedral was interrupted to announce Germany’s violation of the Greek frontier, Demonstrations in Athens and the provinfces continued throughout the day, and King George had a wildly enthusiastic reception when he drove through the streets. - There is the greatest enthusiasm among the people of Macedonia and Thrace, the regions most directly concerned. The German Minister in Athens has been handed : his passport and will leave this afternoon. King George of the Hellenes, the Primes Minister, and the Greek Com-mander-in-chief (General Papagps) have sent messages to the troops facing the German forces. *

General Papagos called on the troops on the German front to show themselves equals of their compatriots on the Italian front, “Once more.” he said, “Greeks are called on to defend themselves against another of the group of States calling themselves civilised who are trying to trample liberty underfoot. We wijl resist and conquer.” t . King George said that with the support of Britain’s indomitable courage and America’s illimitable resources, victory was assured.

Australia, to give full AID

(Received April 7, 7 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 7The Federal Minister for External Affairs (Sir Frederick. Stewart) declared that, in accordance with Mr Churchill’s pledge, Greece and Jugoslavia would be accorded all possible aid.