JUGOSLAVIA AND GREECE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24095, 3 November 1943, Page 3

JUGOSLAVIA AND GREECE

“CIVIL WAR IN BOTH COUNTRIES ” MAJOR PROBLEM SEEN ( FOR ALLIES (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 2. ' “The future of Greece and Jugo- ; slavia is one of the most critical problems confronting the Allies in Europe,” says the Cairo correspondent of the “New York Times.” “At present civil war is raging in both countries between rival (patriot organisations. “The Communist-led organisation in Greece, ‘EAM,’ which outnumbers the rival guerrillas, known as ‘ELAS.’ by . three to one, is anxious to establish its powers before the Germans evacuate the country. Both groups, however, are republican-minded, and determined to prevent the King’s return. ! “The situation in Jugoslavia is similar. Originally Russia supported Tito and Britain and America supported General Mikhailovic, but Tito's power has recently been growing. He is now reported to be 10 times stronger than General Mikhailovic. Therefore, Tito is now receiving more aid from America than his rival. However, the situation is so serious that it is almost certain that there will be full-fledged , civil war when Jugoslavia is liberated, unless it is prevented by a big Allied force.” • NEW CALL-UP IN JAPAN AGE LIMIT RAISED TO 45 YEARS (Rec. 7 p.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 1. The Tokyo radio has reported that Tojo has announced new ordinances, including the raising of the military age limit from 40 to 45 years and applying conscription to Formosa. The radio said that the decision to draft older men as well as the Formosans was due to the need to replenish the personnel of the army, owing to the expansion of empire defence. In the presence of the Emperor Hirohito. Tojo was installed as head of the Munitions Ministry, said the radio. The Ministry will consolidate production for military operations and leave nothing to be desired in munitions production. The new Ministry, created at a special session of the Diet, was instructed to effect a speedy expansion in war production, especially a drastic expansion and strengthening of aerial fighting strength.