BRITAIN AND GREECE

Grey River Argus, 30 January 1946, Page 5

BRITAIN AND GREECE

U.N.O. ADVISED British Forces are Necessary LONDON, Jan. 28. , A statement from the Gl ,eek ei°-n Affairs Committee, which M. Aghnides handed to the BxecuUve Secretary ol U.N.0., says that the presence of British troops in Giee “ has been, and is, indispensable to the restoration of true equall y rights for the prevention of tecui ring internecine strife. The Foreign Affairs Committee, repesents an parties which have hitherto governed Greece. , The statement added: 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. British forces in _ the first place came to Greece to fight foi Greek independence. They returned after the liberation at the Greek Government’s request and as the result of an agreement signed by all political parties without exception, including those of the Extreme Left. The arrival of British troops was a most fortunate event for Greece, since it restored osder from dislocation. They remained after the liberation in accordance with the desiie and free consent of all successive Governments. It is unnecessary to and that all Greeks were jealously attached ;to national independence. They acquiesced in the presence of British troops because they realised no threat whatever could result from friendly collaboration with the British forces. The statement concluded by saying Greece was lying prostrate from wounds and required the joint 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. The Press Association says: The Greek Foreign Minister, M. Sofianopoulos is flying to Athens from London with the Greek Deputy Primo Minister and Ministre of Supply for consulations on measures for implementing an Anglo-Greek economic and financial agreement, and also on the policy to be followed in the United Nations Assembly by the Greek Government, in connection with Albania’s request for admission to U.N.O.

Sincere exchange of views between Britain and Russia would dispel misunderstandings which have arisen over Greece, said the Greek Foreign Minister, M. Sofianopoulos, before leaving for Athens. His Government considered the natural political antagonisms existing in Greece to be purely an internal matter. The continued presence of British forces was due to the initiative of successive Greek Governments and were in accord with the Government’s wishes. Such forces were collaborating with Greek authorities with a view to the gradual restoration of order, and securing people’s will. The troops will be held until such time as these purposes are fulfilled. GREEK PREMIER'S COMPLAINT ATHENS, Jan. 28. After learning from News Agency reports that the Foreign Minister, M. Sofianopoulos, who is the Greek delegate to U.N.0., was returning to Greece, the Prime Minister of Greece (M. Soufoulis) stated at Athens: “I am surprised at his failure to advise the Government of his return and at his arranging for Greece tn be represented at U.N.O. by M. Aghnides Varvaressos, without previously consulting the Government. I cannot see how M. Sofianopoulos can stay in my Cabinet any longer."

Circles close to the Prime Minister say the Minister of the Interior, Constantine Rentis, will succeed M. Sofianopoulos as head of the Greek delegation to U.N.O.