NO EXTREMISTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21605, 6 January 1945, Page 3

NO EXTREMISTS

GREEK CABINET MODERATELY LEFTIST OPINIONS DIVIDED (9 a.m.) LONDON. Jan. 5. The general impression in official circles in London, on the composition of the new Greek Cabinet, is that it is based on the personal discretion of Dr. Damaskinos and General Plastiras, rather than on any strong party affiliations, says Reuter's diplomatic correspondent. The political complexion of the Cabinet may fairly be described as moderate Left-Wing, neither extremist factor —Communist or Monarchist-—being included. One noteworthy fact is that all Ihc members of the new administration are Republicans, which should at least go far to remove E.A.M. and E.L.A.S. suspicions of Monarchist intrigues.

The Times’ Athens correspondent says that the selection of General Plastiras to head the new Government will be received with mixed feelings. A man with his record is obviously not an ideal choice, because even though a dictator, unlike the leopard, may change his spots, the present situation was essentially brought about by the fear of some kind of dictatorship. The Associated Press Athens cor-

respondent says that Iho Greek Go eminent issued a statement on Thur

day that the E.L.A.S. must accept General Scobie’s terms before negotiations can be begun. M. Sifinnopoulos has issued a statement that it is essential that General Scobie’s terms to the E.L.A.S. should be accepted, which would be the best proof and token of E.L.A.S. intentions towards coming to an understanding. He added that the Government intended to discover and severely punish the ringleaders of the pn-senr fighting, but there would be no mass punishment. The intention was to restore general confidence. General Plastiras. in an interview with the British United Press correspondent in Athens, said he would never accept E.A.M. representatives into his Cabinet until after a general election. Ho added that there could be no compromise with the E.L.A.S. after the atrocities they had committed.