BRITAIN AND GREECE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21200, 24 August 1940, Page 7

BRITAIN AND GREECE

GUARANTEE WILL BE KEPT FIERCE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN THREAT TO INDEPENDENCE (Official Wireless) (Received August 24, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, August 23 Developments in Greece are being closely studied in London. There is ■no indication, however, that the situation has undergone any fundamental change. There is no confirmation here that Italy has given a 24-hours ultimatum calling upon Greece to renounce the British guarantee, and emphatic denials are made in Rome and Athens. Another report categorically denied in London is that British forces have occupied the islands of Crete and Corfu. This report, no doubt, originated in Italian propaganda. Since the outbreak of the war Greece hr.' maintained strict neutrality and it is significant of Greece’s determination to maintain friendly relations with her neighbours that this attitude has been preserved throughout the recent period of tension provoked by the sinking of a Greek mine-laying cruiser and the bombing by the Italians of two destroyers. Meanwhile threats continue, and the fierce anti-Greek campaign in the Italian press, based on the flimsiest pretext, was renewed yesterday after a brief lull. The British attitude towards the developments in Greece has undergone no change. The Government stands firmly by its obligations under the guarantee, which was contained in Mr Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Commons on April 13, 1939, that “in the event of any action being taken which clearly threatens Greece’s independence and which the Greek Government considers it vital to resist with the national forces the British Government would feel bound at once to lend the Greek Government all the support in its power.” Peace in the Balkans Other Balkan Powers have maintained the correct attitude during the critical period, and in London the prompt concession by Rumania to the Bulgarian claim on Southern Dobrudja is regarded as offering a valuable contribution towards the maintenance of peace in the Balkans. The Times says: “This quick result reflects credit on the diplomacy of both countries. With a real grievance of 27 years’ standing removed the internal stability of the Balkans should be strengthened.”