New Purge Of Greek Forces

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31577, 15 January 1968, Page 9

New Purge Of Greek Forces

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) ATHENS, January 14. The Greek regime has announced plans for a new purge of Army, Navy and Air Force officers who followed King Constantine in his abortive attempt to overthrow the junta.

A Government decree has set up special panels to judge officers involved in the subversive movement of December 13 under special procedure and without appeal. Those found guilty will be retired or dishonourably discharged. Sources close to the Government say they believe that between 100 and 300 officers will be affected. Others say that if the action extends to ail officers who followed the King in the early hours of December 13, as many as 800 may be involved. CASHIERED The Government yesterday cashiered 17 Army officers involved in the Aspida plot, which rocked the Govern-

ment of Mr George Papandreou when it was revealed in July, 1965. Fifteen of the officers were then imprisoned for terms ranging from two to 18 years,

but were released under an amnesty at Christmas. No reason was given for the Government’s action, but an official says the officers, including four colonels and two lieutenant-colonels, have been cashiered “in accordance with existing regulations.” “Aspida”. was the name given to a secret organisation within the Army alleged to have conspired to dethrone King Constantine and establish a non-aligned regime in Greece. Fifteen officers were sentenced by a court martial in Athens shortly before the Army coup which seized power in Greece in April. Thirteen other officers were acquitted. Eleven civilians, including Mr Andreas Papandreou, son of the former Prime Minister Mr George Papandreou, were also charged with high treason in connection with the Aspida plot.