GREEK AFFAIRS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16905, 2 December 1922, Page 12

GREEK AFFAIRS.

FURTHER ARRESTS. By Telegraph—Pres? Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ATHENS, November 30. General Papon las, ex-Comraander ia Asia Minor, and General Dousmanis, ex-Chief of the General Staff, have been arrested. General Papoulas opposed the offensive in Asia Minor, and bis arrest lias caused souie astonishment. It is believed that lie is charged with issuing optimistic reports of tip fighting. FCRTTTER EXECUTIONS EXPECTED LONDON, November 30. Mr Martin Donohoo, the “ Daily Chronicle’s" Paris and Athens correspondent. says: "On the eve of fresh grave political bappeuings. the Revolutionaries are most wrathful at the King’s resolute opposition. A reign of • terror exists.” A strict censorship lias been estab- [ lished. but messages from Paris state j that the situation is alarming. The arrested generals, who are accused of high treason, will be tried by court-martial forthwith. The courtmartial sits permanently, and is authorised to give immediate effect to any death sentence*}. Princess Alice has arrived at Athens, in order to plead Prince Andrew's cause. Greek official circles at Athens fear tlmt additional executions may follow, and that even the King’s life may be endangered. PAPAL INTERVENTION. ROME, November 30. The Giornal dTtalia ” says that, the Pope has requested the Papal Nuncio at Berne to make representations to M. Venizelos against further executions. Direct protests will also be made to Athens. EVIDENCE AT TRIAL. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December I. Files of Gt>ek newspapers covering the- trial of ex-Ministers indicate that it was carried out in due form aud m accordance with the ordinary standards of Greek legal procedure. A noteworthy fact is the repeated mention of Air Lloyd George’s name during th.o speeches of the prosecution and the cross-examination of witnesses. It. is evident that the accusation against Ministers was that they hid from their countrymen the results of ex-King Constantine’s return, and particularly the fact that Air Lloyd George was no longer able to support the Greek enterprises in Asia Alinor. The evidence included details of an interview between Air Lloyd George and the (Ecumenical Patriarch at Downing Street on January 18, 1922, in which Air Lloyd George, it is alleged, said: “ T am quite alone. All my colleagues have deserted me." Mr Lloyd George said: “1 cannot do anything for your country while Constantine remains in Greece. It is impossible for Greece to remain in Asia Minor. I told Af. Gounaris this clearly and definitely.” Mr Lloyd George added If Venizelos was still ii> power, wo could treat you as we wer going to. Under Venizelos, our store, and purses were at your disposal. At piesent wo cannot give you sixpence. T don’t want to see or hear anything of you Greeks pjtoin. T am fed up with you. The Gr •. ?k General Staff has let me down.”