Konitza Victory Pepped Up Greeks

Chronicle (Levin), 7 January 1948, Page 5

Konitza Victory Pepped Up Greeks

(N.Z.P.A.-

—Reurer

CoDvriQUt )

Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Jan. 6. Athens reports state that the victory at Konitza had a badly needed tonie effect upon Greek morale which reached lowest ebb during Uhristmas week. Acording to the special corre.sppndem oi the European edition of the New Yorh Lierald-Tribune, many wealthy people hcgan panic buying of gold sovereign.and two members of Uabinel invaded the office of Premier Botoulis demaiuling the mass arrest of Communists ah over the country. The correspoiiden. says the'more optlmistic feeling which foilowed news of the recapture oi Konitza, will be strengthened by the announcement that the United Htate? will sliortly sauction a further increasi in financial aid to the Greek Army. It is expected tke extra fuds allocateu will be used to equip fresh Kationai Guard divisions so that the regular troops niay be released for active caiupaigning against the rebels. Keports state General htarkos, the rebel leader, has committed no more than 1)000 men to the Konitza operation and that his retreat i'rom tlu tbwii appears to be entirely orderly. Xevertheless, although the Greek Government cannot claim to luive inflicteii a cripplijig blow upon the rqbels, it is expected that the reverse sustained bv .Murkos will dissuade Yugoslavia and Bulgaria i'rom giving him more open support.