NEEDED IN GREECE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21933, 30 January 1946, Page 5

NEEDED IN GREECE

BRIT!SH_FORCES RESTORING ORDER ALL-PARTY APPROVAL LONDON. Jan. 28. “The presence of British troops in Greece has been and is indispensable to the restoration of true equality of rights and for the prevention of recurring internecine strife,” says a statement from the Greek Foreign Affairs Committee which M. Aghnides handed to the executive secretary of UNO. The committee represents all parties which hitherto governed Greece. The statement adds: “The- people of Greece are particularly distressed that the recent disagreement, which evidently had its origin in inadequate information, should have arisen on a point relating specially to Greece. The British forces in the first place came to Greece to fight for Greek independence. They returned after the liberation at the Greek Government’s request and as a result of an agreement signed by all political parties without exception, including those of the extreme Left. “Most Fortunate Event” “The arrival of the British troops was the most fortunate event for Greece, since it had restored order from dislocation. They remained after the liberation in accordance with the desire and free consent of all successive Governments.” It was unnecessary to add that all Greeks were jealously attached to national independence. They acquiesced in the presence of British troops because they realised that no threat whatever could result from friendly collaboration with the British forces. The statement concludes: “Greece, lying prostrate from her wounds, required the joint and undivided assistance of all the great Powers. She made no distinction between them and appealed to them that, by avoiding misunderstanding, 'they might avert divergencies of opinion and devote themselves whole-heartedly to the task of rehabilitating humanity.”

After learning from news agency reports that tho Foreign Minister, M. Soflanopoulos, that the Greek delegate to UNO was returning to Greece, the Prime Minister. M. Sofoulis, stated: “I am surprised at his failure to advise the Government of his 'return and at his arranging for Greece to be represented at UNO by M. Aghnides and M. Varvaressos without previously consulting the Government. I cannot see how M. Soflanopoulos can stay in my Cabinet any longer.” Circles close to the Prime Minister say the Minister of the Interior, M. Constantine Rentis, will succeed M. Sofianopoulos as head of the Greek delegation to UNO.