SITUATION LOOMS BLACK

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 2, 4 September 1923, Page 5

SITUATION LOOMS BLACK

THE MISSION MASSACRE. TROUBLE ON T.HE FRONTIER. Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, September 2. The Rome correspondent of the Daily Chron&le says: According to the evidence collected on the spot by the Italian Consul at Valona, the masSacre was organised by Lieutenant Botzaris and committed by a platoon of Greek soldiers. It is alleged that a few days before the murder, Lieutenant Botzaris removed some of the boundary marks placed by General Tellini's orders, and when the latter remonstrated, ho ordered their replacement. Botzam's lost his temper and flourished a revolver at the Italian, who severely reprimanded him, saying that the action was not that of an officer but of a brigand.

The Figaro describes the Italian action as a crime as absurd asi it is abominable.

L'Oeuvrc says Italy in killing and wounding inoffensive civilians, entirely changed the complexion of affairs*. All the nations are bound to respect, the League of Nations* pact. It is somi-officially stated that tho population of Crete demonstrated at the Italian Consulate, the personnel of which was endangered. It is alleged the Italian flag was insulted. The Messagero (Rome) criticising England supporting Greece's action and sending the dispute to the League of Nations, says that M. Gontas has not been recognised by any of the great Powers; he, therefore, is not entitled to apply to the League. The paper adds: "If the; murdeu of a mission is regarded asi an entree to the League, then its morals will be irreparably damaged. Ifc is announced that the Italian Legation suddenly recalled Colonel Porone, tho Italian military attache sent to Janina to inquire into the massacre of the Italian mission. All tho Greek shipping companies have suspended 'sailings to Italy, but Greece is still permittiig Italian ships to call at Greek ports. Tho Greek Government has provided a detachment of thirty men to guard tho Italian Legation at Athens. The Italian Minister (Signor Montagna) informed the Government that Italy refuses to accept the decision of the League of Nations. Athens hag protested to tho League of Nations, and also to the Archbishop of Canterbury against the killing of civilians.