REVOLT IN GREECE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1926, Page 2

REVOLT IN GREECE

ATHENS, September 10.

Ivondlis announces the Government has convincing evidence that the commanders of the Republican Battalions, Communists and anti-A enizclists reached an understanding before the revolt. Alter routing the Republicans, bis regular army had to face the Royalistwho joined the Communists, disarmed and maltreated groups of soldiers, and temporarily occupied the Central Post mu! Telegraph Office. The' Government decided to deal with the utmost severity those guilty of insulting the army, and to eourtmartial all officers and civilians implicated in the mutiny. Rozikis (Royalist ex-Afinister) and the editors of two Royalist newspapers were arrested. Tt is estimated 23 were killed and 500 wounded. There will be no delay with the elections which arc pained for 24th Oct. The Guard capitulated. Ycwas and Dertiblis were arrested.

DETAILS OF MILITARY REVOLT LONDON, September 11.

The following is a full account of the battle in the streets of the city, made available in messages from Athens. The Government, in anticipation of a refusal of obedience to its order for Hie disbandment of the Republican Guards, encircled the Guards’ Barracks, which stand oil the outskirts of the city, with a strong force of troops.

Colonel Dertilis and Gervas, seeing iimt they were surrounded, attempted to rush the cordon* of'troop, and, with armoured cars, they endeavoured to enter the city. They, were prevented by the Government troops, who erected barricades on the road, and called on the Republican Guards to return to their barracks. This order was not obeyed.

The Government then issued a twohours’ ultimatum, at the end of which the Government artillery , opened fire on the armoured ears, blowing up one, and killing all its crew. ,

The battle then became general, and it lasted for one: hour, during which time the Guards Itiffered heavy casualties. They broke and retreated. When Colonel Gervas'' surrendered unconditionally, the other, regiment under Colonel Dertilis, withdrew to the heights, but was engaged by tbe Government troops, and finally gave up the struggle. Colonel Dertilis attempted to escape bv hoarding an armoured ear, which set off at full speed for Athens. A heavy fire was brought to bear upon the* car, and eventually R 'surrendered to a crowd, who were shotuing “ Down with militarism!”

Colonel Dertilis, meanwhile, escaped into flie Post Office, in order to avoid lynching. Then the crowd, which was increased, marched to the Government offices, brandishing all manner of strange weapons, and crying, “ Long Live Labour! ”

Tn the battle, conflicts occurred in various places between the troops and demonstrators, who, in some instances, seized the soldiers’ rifles and opened fire on the Government offices. Tlio troops replied, and until the afternoon pandemonium reigned.„

.Many were killed on both sides. The Government succeeded in clearing the streets about five o’clock, wit.l the assistance of armoured cars, cavalry and infantry.

Towards evening tiie scene of battle resembled a shambles. The tram wires were hanging in festoons. Dead horses lav about, presenting a revolting sight, .The surrendered Guards were placed aboard a steamer, and were shipped to an island.

The correspondent adds in what evidently reflects the official view: “The atmosphere is thus cleared from the menace of those regiments, whose tendency. owing to their high pay and allowances, was to retain militarist influence. which lias impeded the Government’s work in restoring normal Parliamentary life.”

A e-”rt martial of E’e leaders of th~ Republican Guards’ revolt opens on Monday, when a charge of high reason will lie preferred against them. MORE ARRESTS. ATHENS, September 12. Besides the officers '- r the Guards, about forty Communists have been arrested. These will lie accused of firing at army officers and seizing a tank and a machine gun. Several ex-officers of ex-King Constantino’s party and a number of Royalists, including the soil of an oxIfavor of Athens, and two journalists, were also arrested.

Tile popoulation is now required to hand over all arms within forty-eight hours.