A WIDER PLAN

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 105, 30 October 1940, Page 7

A WIDER PLAN

AXIS STRATEGY

AIMED AT BRITAIN

THREAT IN MIDDLE EAST

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.)

(Received October 30. 10 a.m.)

LONDON, October 29

"The Times" says: "Recent Axis decisions prepared the British Government for the probable invasion of Greece and when the War Cabinet and Chiefs of Staff met soon after the news was received in London yesterday it was chiefly to review plans already made for giving Greece all help in British power. By evening the first of rapidly movingBritish units had taken up their stations to. fulfil British pledges. The War Cabinet met again last night, and it may be taken for granted that British arms will be used, not merely in Greece, but directly against Italy.

"The Greek Government yesterday asked chiefly for British air and naval assistance, and it is with those arms that Britain will first respond. In the view of the British Government, the Italian aggression is not merely for the purpose of subduing a free people but is part of a wider diplomatic and military strategy on the part of the Axis. It is meant fo continue an eastern pincer movement against British positions, communications, and oil supplies in the Middle East. It is therefore as much a threat to Britain as to Greece."

Mr. Churchill has sent a message to the Greek Council, in which he says: "Italy found that threats and intimidation had not availed against your calm courage and therefore resorted to unprovoked aggression, seeking justification for the wanton attack in baseless accusations. The way in which the Greek people faced the dangers and provocations of recent months gained the admiration of Britishers. These qualities will uphold them in the present hour of trial. We will give you all the help in our power. We will fight a common foe and will share a united victory."