PLIGHT OF GREECE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21548, 30 October 1944, Page 4

PLIGHT OF GREECE

hunger rampant MANY SHORTAGES BIG ALLIED"”PROBLEMS (By Telegnwh—Press Assn.—Copyright..! LONDON, Oct. 2.7. The Allies in Greece face problems which are even mere urgent_ than they first appeared, says The rimes’ correspondent in Athens Greece’s financial situation is extremely pai~ ( lons, hundred's ot thousands at o still on the borderline of .starvation, aijid unemployment is rife because industry, commerce and agriculture cannot be resumed without far greater outside help than is yet forthcoming. A'severe winter is approaching and there is no fuel, no clothing and precious little food. Conditions in the fashionable centre of Athens do not appear bad. but there are still thousands roaming the streets with nothing to do and there are obvious signs of distress. Conditions in the suburbs and the working-class districts are horrifying, with such shocking poverty and malnutrition that it .is amazing that people manage to keep alive'. Thousands must die if something is not done for them soon. Conditions in the country districts and the islands vary greatly, but as Greece is almost without transport, the distribution of food is impossible. Inflation is spreading alarmingly, but it could be slowed down with the importation of food. However, only 400 tons is at present coming in daily, which is grossly insufficient.