“DEEP COMFORT”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21607, 9 January 1945, Page 3

“DEEP COMFORT”

REGENT’S GRATITUDE CITIES VIRTUALLY FREE LONDON, Jan. 7. General Scobie has sent a letter to the Regent. Dr. Damaskinos, stating: “It, is my happy duty to inform you that the cities of Athens and the Piraeus are now virtually free of the insurgent forces. The citizens in this area may take advantage of this as soon as possible to proceed about their peaceful and lawful occasions.” Dr. Damaskinos replied expressing “deep comfort” at the information and appreciation of General Scobie's “unpleasant and painful task.” Two new Ministers have joined the Plastiras Cabinet. They are M. John Magropoulos and Professor Amandos.

M. Galvanis. former Minister of Agriculture, has been appointed Minister of National Economy.

The Exchange and Telegraph Agency's correspondent in Athens says General Plastiras, in a statement to the press, said: “If the rebels respond to my appeal to lay down their arms, my authority as Minister of the Forces will be limited to the creation of an army capable of fighting, but, if the rebels persist in their intransigence, I will put myself at the head of the liquidation army. Only a few weeks will suffice to re-establish authority in the entire countryside.”

General Plastiras said he would personally establish the rapid organisation of the Greek national forces in order to constitute a force capable of defending the frontiers, also participating actively in the United Nations' effort. He added that he would prefer elections for the constituent assembly rather than a plebiscite, but guaranteed that the demonstration of the national will would be carried out with perfect impartiality.