A GRAVE CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1923, Page 2

A GRAVE CRISIS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION,

VIOLENT INDIGNATION

LONDON,* August 29

The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent says that General Telinn’s murder has excited violent indignation in Italy. Tho Greek Government- profoundly deplores the incident and promised to do nil in its power to obtain satisfaction.

ITALY AND GREECE. LONDON, Aug. 30. A grave crisis has arisen between Italy and Greece, following on the murder of General Tellini, and his colleagues. The Italian newspapers declare that the murders were the result of a deliberate ambuscade bv Greek natives of Eprius, which will leave an indelible stain. The Albanian Legation in London has received a telegram front Tirana, affirming that Greek armed bands wore the assassins, and that the interpreter victim was an Albanian. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Rome correspondent- reports that the Italian Government. considers this crime affects the Allied Governments as well as Italy, inasmuch as that the murdered officers formed part of tho InterAllied Commission. Signor Mussolini remained at the Italian Foreign Office for the greater part of the night, consulting the Minister of War and others, regarding tho measures to be taken. M.USSOLINT’S ULTIMATUM. LONDON. Aug. 30. Commenting on the ltalo-Greek crisis, the “Daily Express” states Signor Mussolini’s ultimatum to Greece demands a complete official apology at the Italian Legation in Athens; a solemn funeral in the Cathedral at Athens, in the presence of all the Greek Government; capital punishment for those guilty of the murders; an indemnity of i‘500,000 within five days : and full honours by the Greek Fleet to the Italian Fleet which will be sent to Piraeus.

THE MASSACRED MEN. / LONDON, Aug. 30 The “Westminster Gazette” reports that Signor Mussolini’s note to Greece states: “This massacre has been the result of a persistent, campaign defamatory of Italy and of the Italian Military Mission campaign, which has been conducted by the Greek press.” The “Morning Post” says that the Fascist paper "Conicre ltaliano” declares: “Although the massacre may have been committed by an Albanian band, the scene being so near the frontier, it was most likely due to the fanaticism of the Greeks, who have openly opposed General Tellini’s action in upholding the Albanian rights to certain southern districts occupied by the Greeks. The Italian victims numbered five. Gencrla Tellini was a distinguished soldier. During the war, lie was in Albania, at the bead of the Italian troops, when a rebellion broke out, and lie stubbornly maintained bis position before Valenti, until he was ordered to evacuate. Major Corti, a medical officer, also slain, did heroic deeds during the war. Lieut Bonaeiiti. another victim, was an aviator, and during the Italian retreat from Caporetto lie dashed outside the enemy lines, conveying assistance to isolated groups. The other two victims of tlie massacre were the -Mission’s chauffeur and interpreter.