CONDYL IS AS “PLOTTER”

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 August 1935, Page 2

CONDYL IS AS “PLOTTER”

ACCUSED BY METAXAS, ATHENS, June 23. Remarkable revelations of events connected with the recent Greek revolt have been made here during the hearing of an action for libel and slande brought by the War Minister, General Condylis, against the> editor of the official organ of the Union of Royalists, the party led by General Metaxas. The newspaper accused Gen. co dylis of having intentionally delayed the arrival of a battery of heavy guns tor two hours, thus allowing the three rebel cruiseis to put to sea and steam to Crete, the stronghold of M. x emZe Geii Metaxas gave evidence that ever since Gen. Condylis joined the Government two years ago he had been continually plotting to overthi ov it by force and proclaim himself dictator Thus when he received news that a revolt had broken out in the arsenal at Salamis and at the Athens barracks he was not certain whethei it had been engineered by his own followers or those of M. Vemzelos. Only when he realised that the revolutionaries were aiming at Ins downtali did he begin measures. Those measures, according to Gen. Metaxas, were so weak and confused that had it not been for the lack of any concerted plan by the rebel leaders —Adml. Demestichas and Gen. Kammenos—the revolt must assuredly have been successful. Had the Admiral gone with Ins fleet to Salonica instead of to Crete, Gen Metaxas said, be would have occupied that citv within an hour, as for 3l> hours it was entirely defenceless from the sea. 'lhe allegations were supported by Admiral Hadjikriakos, former Minister of the Navy. . Gen. Condylis emphatically denied the statements. He called many high officers as witnesses that he acted as quickly as possible in crushing the revolt. Despite his protestations the jury found in favour of the editor. 'J he result has caused a political sensation, and it is believed to have so damaged Gen. Condylis’s prestige that it will be difficult for him to continue for long his collaboration with the pi esent Government.