GREEK BANKS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 108, 8 May 1923, Page 7

GREEK BANKS

SEIZURE BY TURKS

ACT DESCRIBED AS REPRISAL

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION COPMIGHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN . NEW ZEALAND CABLB ASSOCIATTON.)

(Received Bth May, noon.)

LONDON, 7th May.

The Constantinople authorities, under instructions from Angora, occupied the Bank of Athens main building at Galata and the Pera and Stamboul branches, and seized all the funds and securities. The action is said to be a reprisal for the seizure of Mussulman property in Greece. It is also said that the bank has been working in conjunction with the Patriarchate for the extension of Greek influence in Constantinople.

(Received Bth May, 11 a.m.)

CONSTANTINOPLE, 7th May.

Financial circles are disquieted at the action of the Turkish authorities in closing the local branch of the Bank of Athens and seizing the funds, twothirds of which is French property. The High Commissioners have decided to refer tho matter to their respective Governments for instructions. Official circles, declare that the action is a reprisal for the Greek Government seizing tho property of the Macedonian Moslems and for the bank .having allegedly granted credit to Greek speculators contrary to Government orders. The Angora Government has ordered the closing of French companies which failed to comply with . the registration order, disregarding the official French request for an extension of time in which to effect registration.