STORY OF THE FIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 64, 13 September 1926, Page 9

STORY OF THE FIGHT

THE LEADERS SURRENDER

CROWD MARCHES ON GOVERN-

MENT OFFICES.

(United Press Association. —Copyright.) LONDON, 10th September.

A full account of the battle in the streets of Athens is now available. The Government, anticipating a refusal of its order to disband tho Republican Guards, encircled the Guards' barracks, which stand on the outskirts of the city, with a strong force of troop 3. Colonel Dertilis and Colonel Zervas, seeing they were surrounded, attempted to rush tho cordon of troops, and with armoured cars endeavoured to enter the city. They were prevented by Government troops, who erected barricades ou the road, and called on the Republican Guards to return to their barracks. The order was refused, and the Government then issued a two-hour ultimatum; at tho end of which they opened artillery fire on the armoured cans, blowing up one and killing most of the crew. The battle then became general, and lasted for an hour, during which the Guards suffered heavy casualties. They eventually broke and retreated.

DERTILIS IK DANGER. Whilst Colonel Zervas surrendered unconditionally, the other regiment, under Colonel Dertilis, withdrew to the heights, but was engaged by the Government troops, and finally gave up the struggle. Colonel Dertilis attempted to escape by boarding an armoured car which set off at full speed towards Athens, but it was heavily fired upon, and eventually surrendered to a crowd who wero shouting "Down with Militarism." Colonel Dertilis meanwhile escaped into the post office in order to avoid being lynched. The crowd was increasing in sizo every minute, and marched to the Government offices brandishing all manner of strange weapons, and crying ".Long Live Labour " SPORADIC CONTLICTS. Conflicts occurred in various places botween troops and demonstrators, who in some instances seized soldiers' rifles aud opened fire on tho Government offices. The troops replied, and until the afternoon pandemonium reigned. Many were killed on both sides. The Government succeeded in clearing the streets about 5 o'clock, with the assistance of armoured cars, cavalry, and infantry. Towards evening the scene of battle rescembled a shambles. Tram wires were hanging in festoons, and dead horses lay about, presenting a revolting sight.

Martial law was proclaimed. The surrendered Guards wero placed aboard a steamer" and shipped to an island.

The correspondent adds, evidently reflecting the official viow:—"The atmosphere is thus cleared from the menace of these regiments, whose tendency, owing to their high pay and allowances, was to retain a militarist influence, which impeded tho Government's work in restoring normal Parliamentary life."