JUGO-SLAVIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 January 1929, Page 9

JUGO-SLAVIA

DICTATORSHIP ENFORCED.

(Australian Press Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn—Copyright.)

LONDON, January 12

Only official news continues to be permitted from Belgrade. It is announced in accordance with the new law 1 that all political bodies are required within five days to deposit copies of articles of association, together with names and professions of officers thereof. An amnesty has been proclaimed under which the King pardons certain categories of military prisoners. The King and the new Prime Minister continue to receive numerous telegrams of congratulation. It is learned from other sources that Premier Zivkowitch has decreed the immediate dissolution of numerous trade unions. Political parties are busy re-drafting their constitutions in the hope of escaping suppression, but it appears certain that the Croat Peasant Party will be banned under the law prohibiting political agitation.

Even telephone conversations and private telegrams are being censored throughout Croatia. Foreign newspapers containing articles unfavourable to the Dictatorship are confiscated.

It is reported from Belgrade that the Government has ordered wholesale dismissals from the staffs of the Ministries. The police force is being militarised and Parliament Buildings converted into barracks. The Government is admittedly planning a division into fifteen departments.

A GERMAN OPINION. BERLIN, January 12. “Alexander is not taking an alternative risk for the Crown,” says the Vossiche Zeitung. Everything in Jugo-Slavia except the army and the King seem to be tottering.. These two forces represent the links binding the Slovenes and Croats —the army, because it is the only power with which Italy can be confronted, and the King because he commands the respect of the Croatian peasants. Therefore, it is logical that these forces are at the helm when the nation is threatened with collapse.