YUGOSLAV SPLIT

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1944, Page 2

YUGOSLAV SPLIT

MR CHURCHILL’S ESTIMATE QUESTIONED (Rec. 8.10) LONDON, Feb. 23. Roval Yugoslav quarters disagree with a statement made in his Commons’ speech by Mr Churchill. Mr Churchill said a large number, of German forces was occupied by guerrillas in Yugoslavia. He spoke of there being a collision between General Mikhailovich and Marshal Tito. He said: Tragic fights took place and bitter feuds sprang up. The followers of Tito out-number manyfold those of Mikhailovitch, who commands in the name of the Royal Yuogslav Government. The partisans are the only people doing any effective fighting against the Germans. For a long time past I have taken particular interest in Tito’s movement, and I am trying .by every means to bring him help. King Peter has found shelter in this country. We cannot dissociate ourselves in any way from him. We follow the principle of keeping good faith with those who have kept good faith with us, and of trying without prejudice or regard forjxpolitical affections to aid those’ who strike for our freedom against Nazi rule and thus inflict the greatest injury* on the enemy . Reuter’s Cairo correspondent says: The Royal Yugoslav headquartershere disagree with Mr Churchill’s statement that a unifying force was growing up around Tito. They contend that Tito’s partisans have prejudiced the country’s safety by their hasty action, and they say that Mikhailovitch’s inactivity is the only possible means of carrying out. the struggle until the proper moment for striking arrives.