TWO RAMPARTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 182, 30 April 1941, Page 7

TWO RAMPARTS

Supremte Struggle For A Free Europe BRITAIN AND CRETE LONDON, April 28. The Greek Prime Minister, M. Tsouderos, in Crete today said that destiny had chosen two islands as the fast but worthy ramparts of the free peoples of Europe—-the great island of Britain and the great island of the Hellenes (Crete). With constancy, courage, and determination, the peoples of these islands were fighting today the supreme battle of 'liberty.

A black flood coming from a country which had deified violence had swept over Europe. Humanity had experienced similar barbaric invasions in the past, but the civilization of free men had always prevailed. In the present almost superhuman struggle, the King, who was the embodiment of the thoughts, aspirations, and decisions of the nation, was among his people.' He symbolized the national rebirth and unity of Greece. The Prime Minister spoke of the moving spectacle of the resistance to the aggressor made by small islands like Lemnos and Saiuothrace, and of the splendid example set by the Greek people in fighting for six months against an empire whose forces the Greek troops succeeded in beating. The same troops fought for 20 days against the German aggressor and his crushing machines, and were defeated only after epic battles which had earned the admiration of friend and foe. What now remained for the Greeks to do? The fighting must be continued in Crete, M. Tsouderos said, without flinching. The King and his Government were there for the. supreme task of the defence of the island and the honour of Greece. Sacrifices did not count. They had gone to that island of liberty and courage in order that they should not allow themselves to be enslaved. He was certain they would soon be back in Athens, and that Greece would not only be free, but the greater because of her struggle.

Shipping for Britain.

The Greek Minister in Cairo announced that the Greek air force would continue the struggle against the Axis Powers, and that the whole Greek merchant fleet, consisting of millions of tons of shipping, had been placed at the disposal of the British Government.

[According to Lloyd’s Register, the total number of ships of 100 tons gross register and upward owned by Greece in 1939-40 was 007 vessels aggregating 1,780,660 tons. Of these not a few were small ships suitable only for coastal and short sea trading. Greece has lost a fairly large number of ocean-going tramps through enemy action since September, 1939.]