THE GREEK EXECUTIONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16904, 1 December 1922, Page 6

THE GREEK EXECUTIONS.

An Inhuman Spectacle. Ministers Shot Against Wall. liy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received December 1, 9.15 a.m.) v ATHENS, November 30. All the victims were shot against the wall of the Civil Hospital near the Royal Palace and the Foreign Legations. M. Gounaris was carried from his bed in the hospital to a motor-car, and was hardly able to breathe when he was lifted from the car and propped against the wall by the executioners. He died with his hands in his overcoat pockets, and a smile on his worn, wan face. The other Ministers were led from the cells, where they had received communion, and were forced to watch the final humiliation of General Hadjianestis. Tears rolled down the General’s face as he was degraded. M. Baltazzi, the Foreign Minister, the dandy of the party, who was a bon viveur, and fond of the gambling table, adjusted his monocle as he faced the firing party of thirty. Near relatives were allowed to take their farewell of the exministers in the prison. They then went to the cemetery to await the bodies, which were carried there by parties of soldiers. Semi-official explanations absolve M. Gonatas and the new Government from all responsibility for the executions. They assert that they v/ere carried out by virtue of a revolutionary decree, countersigned by Colonel Plastyras.