AMERICAN TO CONTROL GREEK FOREIGN TRADE

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 October 1947, Page 5

AMERICAN TO CONTROL GREEK FOREIGN TRADE

(Rec. 10 a.m.) ATHENS, October 13. The Greek Government with the co-operation of the American mission drafted a legislation establishing a foreign trade administration to control imports and exports. An American expert would be in charge. , This was announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Sophoulis. He said that the import of luxuries and nonessential goods would be banned, but basic necessities would be brought in rapidly in large quantities to create low stable prices. A joint committee of Greeks and Americans would inquire immediately into the cost of living and wage scales; The largest part of the Greek Budget would go to suporting the army.

The mission’s contribution to the Army was over £37,500,000 which would increase as the armed forces were enlarged. He called on the Greek people .to rally . against the threatened tyranny of a minority serving foreigners. He was determined to restore peace and order with all available means. The Government’s amnesty offer to guerrillas had decreased, th‘e intensity of the guerrilla war and caused confusion among the Communist leaders. He accused the Communists of spreading propaganda that a third world war and the descent of her northern neighbours on Greece were imminent.