COMMUNIST CHALLENGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26918, 2 November 1948, Page 5

COMMUNIST CHALLENGE

INSURRECTION IN GREECE EAST-WEST AGREEMENT REQUIRED N.Z,P.A.—Copyright Rec. 11 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 1. Greece will not enjoy peace again while the Communists are up in arms against the Greek State, and the Communist challenge is likely to last until Russia and the Western Powers can find their way to a settlement, says The Times. An attempt to settle with the Communists by agreement was made with American help; that also failed. The Western Powers cannot abandon Greece, but it is difficult now to see a third way of settlement. The Times comments on the Australian delegate’s suggestion at the United Nations Assembly that the representatives of Greece, Yugoslavia, Albania and Bulgaria in Paris be gathered together to adjust their differences. The newspaper says the suggestion would deserve the most careful scrutiny except for the fact that not all illegal help for the Communists is coming from Greece’s northern border. An Athens message says attempts are being made to avert, at least temporarily, the political crisis which threatened yesterday, when the former Vice-Premier, Mr Sophocles Venizelos. called on King Paul to press the need for a “ super-party ” Government instead of the present coalition. It is believed that, acting on the King’s advice, a political truce may be declared, but the problem is expected to arise again this week after the Vice-Premier returns from the United Nations debate on Greece in Paris. It is reported that while Mr Venizelos conferred with King Paul, guerrilla forces attacked the Mount Athos monks’ community, looting a Byzantine museum and carrying off mules and food. Guerrillas attempted to capture the civil governor, but, supported by four guardsmen, the governor repelled the attack until nightfall, when the guerrillas withdrew.