Greece Threatened

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21735, 17 August 1940, Page 7

Greece Threatened

Troops on Albanian Frontier Sinking of Cruiser Causes Consternation United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received August 16, 8.0 p.m.) LONDON, August 16. THE “DAILY EXPRESS” says that Italian troops are reported to be concentrating on the Grecian-Albanian frontier. Turkish envoys at Athens have been instructed to do their utmost to mediate in the dispute between Greece and ’Bulgaria over Macedonia. If Mussolini attacks Greece, Bulgaria is prepared to march. It is also reported that the Bulgarians are massing on the Rumanian border ready to move into Southern Dobruja. According to a messge from Ankara, Deputy Aetchin, in an article in “Yenisabah,” said: “An Italian attack against Greece would bring Turkey into the war beside Britain.” The Rome radio states: “The Greek game has gone on long enough.. Lies must stop. Meanwhile, Greek violence against the Albanian minorities continues. All the Albanians in the Ciamuria district were arrested and taken in chains to prison because they would not assist in Greek espionage activities.”

It is officially announced in Athens that an unknown submarine torpedoed and sank the Greek cruiser Helle (7000 tons), while she was anchored off Tinos Island. One rating was killed and 29 injured. It is authoritatively stated in London that no British submarines were in that area. The crew attempted to ground the Helle, but escaping oil set her on fire and forced the crew to abandon ship. The submarine which attacked the Helle made off without coming to the surface. It fired three torpedoes at 8.30 a.m. and the Helle sank at 9.30 a.m. Crowds of people had assembled in the vicinity for the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption. One torpedo missed the Helle and struck the quay, which was crowded with pilgrims. Many children were killed, a woman died of shock and several were injured. The Athens correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain, states that the sinking of the Helle has spread consternation through Greece. Naval experts examined fragments of the torpedo and reported to the Prime Minister (General Metaxas). It is officially reported from Athens that a few minutes after the attack on the Helle, all telephonic communication with Rome was severed. General Metaxas conferred with the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. Motor cyclists dashed through the streets to-night rounding up all naval men, who were ordered to report to their ships immediately. The public were prohibited from entering certain coastal areas and seaside piers are closed. Greek and Italian communications were resumed and are functioning normally.

The Italian Minister < Signor Grazzi) called on General Metaxas, but it is ; stated that Italy made no demands on ; Greece. King George received General Metaxas, who communicated the I details of the sinking of the Helle. ’ Naval craft are scouring the waters in the neighbourhood of Tinos, and also provided protection for the return of 40.000 pilgrims to the mainland. Greek ships are forbidden to leave home ports. The Italian authorities say they have no information regarding the sinking. An Italian warship is reported to have halted the Greek steamer Appeti with 400 passengers en route from Lisbon to Piraeus. The Appeti is not listed at Lloyds. She was taken to Palermo. Sinister Turn Official circles in London intimated that the Greek and Italian dispute is being watched with close attention. The controversy which so far seemed only a smoke screen to cover local risings in Albania has taken a most sinister turn as a result of the torpedoing of the Helle. It is unlikely that the Italians will be able to dis- | claim responsibility for this act. Like the assault on Albania last year, which I occurred on Good Friday, the Helle 1 was sunk on the occasion of the Greek Orthodox Festival. , The Rome radio declares that the I Greek province of Janina is on the point of being returned to Albania. Italian ’planes are reported to have bombed the Greek ship Frinton off Crete. All the bombs missed. It is officially stated in Athens that it is yet impossible to identify the submarine which sank the Helle. King George sent a message to General Metaxas, as follows: “News of the torpedoing of the Helle fills me with profound grief.”