U.N. DEBATE ON BALKANS

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25309, 8 October 1947, Page 7

U.N. DEBATE ON BALKANS

Bitter Speech By Mr Vyshinsky AMERICAN OFFER REJECTED (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, October 6. When the Balkan debate was resumed to-day in the Political Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. H. V. Evatt (Australia) said that Russia and Greece’s three northern neighbours had a “common plan’’ against Greece. Those countries were trying to strike through Greece at British and- 1 American policies; “It would be calamitous if a clear case of victimisation of one country by a group of other countries was allowed to be obscured by a cloud of reckless accusations against other governments who have conducted themselves in this matter with propriety and with observance of international principles,” Dr. Evatt said. Mr Vyshinsky (Russia) said that the United States had completely destroyed Greece’s independence and had converted Greece into an American military base. He had carefully examined all important documents relevant to the Balkan Commission of Investigation, and had come to the conclusion that the accusations levelled at Jugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Albania were refuted by the facts, which left no doubt that all the responsibility rested with the Greek Government. Furthermore, the blame was shared by the governments which had intervened in Greece by supporting reactionary and anti-democratic forces and had thereby endeavoured to take advantage of the situation for their own expansionist purposes. Russian Proposals

The only right solution was the immediate Withdrawal of all foreign troops, foreign military and civil instructors, and other so-called experts. Furthermore, the Greek people should be given an opportunity to settle their own problems on the basis of democratic principles. “Three conclusions have to be reached on the work of the investigation commission,” said Mr Vyshinsky. “First, the commission’s methods did not ensure an objective approach and resulted in the commission acting not as an investigating body but as an indicting one. Second, the conditions under which the investigation was carried out did not allow the drawing of conclusions based on sound juridical principles. Third, the data submitted by the commission did not justify the conclusions regarding Jugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Albania.” All the accusers of those three countries were avoiding the facts, “probably fearing that the rotten nature of the so-called evidence submitted would fall apart at the slightest touch.” . Mr Vyshinsky rejected the United States’ tentative compromise offer to drop its charges against Jugoslavia, Albania, and Bulgaria provided those countries agreed to co-operate with a Balkan investigation commission. U.S. Offer “Insulting” Waving his arms and glaring at Mr Herschel Johnson (United States), he cried: “Mr Johnson must Understand that there are some things more sacred than this sort of horse-trading. The American offer is as insulting as a horse whip across the face. Truth and honour cannot be subjected to horsetrading. This is an effort to transform the United Nations into a tool of unholy design.” Mr Vyshinsky’s speech was the longest, most intense, and most concentrated attack on American and British policy in Greece yet made by any Russian delegate in any United Nations forum.

Mr J. L. Ilsley (Canada) said that Canada would support the United States resolution with the French amendment which would eliminate the placing of blame on Jugoslavia, Bulgaria, and Albania for the Greek frontier troubles. If, however, the three countries refused to co-operate with the proposed commission, Canada would support the original resolution. The United States resolution before the committee; which because of Mr Vyshinsky’s rejection of the compromise offer has not been changed, blames Greece’s three northern neighbours for the border troubles and seeks the appointment of a Balkan “watchdog” commission by the United Nations Assembly. Uruguay and the Netherlands both supported the United States resolution. Mr J. H. van Rojen (Netherlands) said that he would have supported the French amendment but for Mr Vyshinsky’s statement about horsetrading. “I especially deplore this interpolation,” he said, “because it would seem that the Soviet delegation is not anxious for a compromise which might in any way result in a solution.” The committee adjourned until tomorrow. DUKE OF GLOUCESTER REPORT ABOUT NEW POST DENIED (Rec. 7 p.m.) PRETORIA. October 7. Authoritative South African Government sources denied the London “Sunday Express” report that the British and South African Governments were discussing the appointment of the Duke of Gloucester as Governor-General.