PROBLEM FOR ALLIES

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24401, 30 October 1944, Page 5

PROBLEM FOR ALLIES

FOOD SHORTAGE IN GREECE “PARLOUS FINANCIAL SITUATION ” LONDON. ,Oct. 27. ‘‘The Allies in Greece face problems which are even more urgent than at first appeared," says the Athens correspondent of “The Times.” “Greece’s financial situation is extremely parlous. Hundreds o£ thousands are still on the borderline of starvation and unemployment is rife because industry, commerce, and agriculture cannot be resumed without far greater outside help than has yet been given. “The severe winter is approaching, amd there is no fuel, no clothing, and precious little food. Conditions in the fashionable centre of ‘ Athens do not appear to be bad. but there are still thousands roaming the streets with nothing to do. and there are obvious signs of distress. ‘‘Conditions in the suburbs and working class districts are horrifying. With such shocking, poverty and malnutrition it is amazing how the people manage to keep alive. Thousands must die if something is not done for them soon. “Conditions in the country districts and in the islands vary greatly, but as Greece is almost without transport the. distribution of food is impossible. Inflation is spreading alarmingly, but could be slowed down by the importation of foocfi* However, only 400 tons is at present coming in daily, which is grossly insufficient.”