Greece’s Defiance Of Blackmail Praised

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 259, 1 November 1940, Page 7

Greece’s Defiance Of Blackmail Praised

AXIS DESIRE TO SPREAD WAR (British Official Wireless.) Received Thursday, 7 p.m. RUGBY, Oct. 30. The gallantry of the Greek action in offering defence to blackmail, despite the craven example recently offered by some other States, is applauded throughout the press. The Times finds the most probable explanation of the timing of the new Axis aggression in the failure of Goering’s much-vaunted air campaign against Britain. It writes: “In recent weeks this restless anxiety of the enemy to drag more victims into the conflict has become the hallmark of Axis diplomacy, “ and it declares, “The responsibilities for the extension of the war are as clear and undisputed now as they were last spring. The activities of Nazi diplomacy in Spain and France are well part of tno same picture. It is the Axis which is desperately seeking by any and overy means to spread the war over tho whole face of the European Continent and perhaps beyond. ’ ’ The Times continues; “Once more the Italian action has revealed tho ruthless and unscrupulous nature of the aims and policy of the dictators, and once more it has placed Britain in the proud position of being the champion and defender of freedom everywhere in Europe. Proof of her readiness and ability to assume that role will do more thau anything else to determine the action of those friends and neighbours of Greece who are still waiting for a lead. There is no doubt that Hitler boasts his intention of creating a united Europe under Nazi harmony. What ho is in fact doing, and doing with the most effective thoroughness, is to unite the peoples of Europe, whether stifled for the moment or still free to speak, against himself.