Greek Problem

Grey River Argus, 25 March 1947, Page 5

Greek Problem

Solution Proposed ON AMICABLE USES (Received 9.30 p.m 1 .). CLEVELAND, March. Zo. A sweeping five-point programme, designed to solve the .Greek problem, was proposed by the Greek Foreign Minister, M. Tsaldaris in an interview with the Athens correspondent . of the newspaper “Cleveland Plain Dealer”. M. Tsaldaris recommended, firstly, that M. Stalin should make a public declaration that the Russian Communist Party, in the interests of world peace, prefers to seek a victory of the Communist philosophy through peaceful, democratic means, rather than through armed revolutions. Secondly, he recommended that a neutral zone should be fixed at the northern frontiers of (Irecce, into which the Greek guerrillas may enter freely and safely to surrender their arms to a neutral force; such surrender to follow a cessation of the Government operations against the guerrillas. Thirdly, lie recommended that the guerrillas who surrender arms should be given the choice of crossing any frontier, of emigrating, or of remaining in Greece under guaranteed protection. Fourthly he proposed that new Greek elections should be held, under international control, within six months of the surrender of arms and following an amnesty to the guerrillas and to political prisoners. Fifthly, he recommended that both Yugoslavia and Bulgaria be awarded free 'customs zones in Salonika so as to give them free access to the Aegean Sea.

obtained from foreign sources. Nevertheless, despite the Turkish desire to return the country to conditions of political normalcy, to commence the demobilisation of the excessively large army and to reconstruct and develop the national economy, the Turks are united and adamant in resisting outside pressure. A financial credit from sources which believe that the territorial integrity am independence of the Middle East are necessary for world stability would constitute a firm assurance to the Turks that encroachment; upon their sovereignty or integrity will not be countenanced.

Official relations since the time when Russia demanded a special position in the Dardanelles have been largely ccnfined to an exchange of Notes regarding the Straits. Meanwhile the Moscow press and radio constantly vilify the “Fascist” regime in Turkey, and Turkish language broadcasts from Radio Moscow go so far as to call upon the people of Turkey to revolt. Turkey can do little to"combat this war of nerves, but the Turks have made it clear that they will oppose with force any attempt to violate their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Senator Vandenberg said the preamble was designed to demonstrate that the United States was complying with the United Nations Charter. STATE DEPARTMENT'S VERSION

The Acting-Secretary of State (Mr Dean Acheson) told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives that Turkey was stable internally, but she needed American aid to resist external pressure, one example of which was the Russians’ insistence on participation in the defence of the Dardanelles. Mr Acheson added that the Turkish armies had been compelled to maintain semi-mobilisation for several years, which meant a severe budgetary strain. POSITION OF THE ARABS