“DEMOCRATIC ARMY"

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 February 1947, Page 5

“DEMOCRATIC ARMY"

DEMANDS BY REBELS IN GREECE - fj WITHDRAWAL OF BRITISH LONDON, Feb. 3. A special correspondent of the News-Chronicle who succeeded in reaching the headquarters of the Greek rebel army on Mount Vitsi, says in a delayed dispatch that he considers many of the rebels’ charges against the Greek Government will be found by the United Nations Commission to be justified, although others are unlikely to be substantiated. He found the rebels unanimously agreed in demanding the withdrawal of the British troops from Greece on the grounds that it is only their presence which keeps the present Government in power. _ Seven Demands The rebels, who describe themselves as “the democratic army,” have formulated seven demands on which they base their resistance to the Government forces. These demands are:— 1. The complete withdrawal of the British forces, including the British military and police missions. 2. A general amnesty for all political prisoners. 3. The cesssation of the Government’s suppression “of all democrats.” 4. All branches of public life must be purged of collaborators and Fascists. 5. The formation of an a’.l party Government, including the EAM. 6. The holding of free elections and purging of the electoral rolls. 7. Greek national aims, including the demand for Cyprus, must be granted by the Powers. The correspondent says he visited a number of Greek Government prisons and found conditions deplorable. Many prisoners would undoubtedly die if their relations and friends did not bring them provisions. Most of the arms used by the rebels appeared to be captured German, Italian, and British types—he saw very few Russian weapons. Government Worried The rebels claim they will give the United Nations Commission every facility to investigate the situation. Greek Government authorities in northern Greece appear to be frantically ■ worried by the position, lor there is no doubt that the strength of the rebels is growing every day. He found while the rebels were demanding the withdrawal of the British, the Greek Government, forces claimed that it was only British intervention which prevented them from taking ruthless measures to suppress the revolt. There was no doubt that the continued presence of the British was exacerbating feelings on the extreme Left, and yet, in view of the ‘diehard” Right, the British were doing nothing to help stamp out the “red terror.” The majority of the Andartes, as the guerrillas call themselves, are young, well armed, and well disciplined, said the correspondent. He found them convinced that they were fighting a battle for democracy m Greece. They all categorically denied receiving help from their northern neighbours.