DECLARATION OF WAR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 285, 4 December 1940, Page 5

DECLARATION OF WAR

HOW IT WAS HANDED TO GREECE TRICKY ITALIAN METHOD [ Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, Dec. 3. The story of how Italy presented an ultimatum" to Greece was told by Mr. J. Garland, Greek vice-Consul in New Zealand, who has returned from a visit to Australia, where ne was shown official documents which told the whole story. The ultimatum was delivered by a trick, said Mr. Garland. In the early hours the Greek Prime Minister, General J. Metaxas, was called from his bed by telephone. He was told the Ambassador of France was speaking and that he had something important to tell him. General Metaxas invited the caller round to his house and when he opened the door the Italian Ambassador thrust the ultimatum into his hand. General Metaxas opened the document and read Italy's demands for handing over to Italy of Corfu. Cephalonia, Salonika, Pirius, and Crete. He did not read further but exclaimed, “This means war.” It was then the turn of the Italian Ambassador to register surprise. He expostulated with the Greek Prime Minister and assured him that resistance would be useless. Italy had an air fleet ready and also armies, he said, and within three hours she would strike if her demands were not accepted. At this stage General Metaxas did not hesitate. He exclaimed, “Come if you dare,” and shut the door on his visitor. Mr. Garland said the resistance of the Greek Government had meant the turning point of the Axis drive to south-eastern Europe. The heroic successes of the Greek forces had stiffened the attitude of Turkey and had influenced the positions of Bulgaria and Yugoslavia. Had Greece accepted Italy’s terms the waole course of history would have been changed.