THE GREEK EXECUTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 December 1922, Page 5

THE GREEK EXECUTIONS.

trial of prince anprew. WHY HE WAS SPARED. By Telegraph.—Press Aasn. —Copyright. Athens, Dec. 3. The court decided that Prince Andrew’s disobedience to commands wa*? not sufficient to warrant death. His conduct was contrary to military discipline, but the court admitted extenuating circumstances, notably hifi inexperience London, Dec. 3.

A semi-official Athens message says that Prince Andrew- was charged, as commander of the Second Army, with refusing to obey the orders of the Com-cnander-iii-Chief to attack the enemy. The Prince pleaded that his corps was ordered before attacking to await instructions from the Third Corps, which failed to arrive.

The Deputy Chief-of -Staff gave evidence that had Prince Andrew executed his orders the battle, in all probability, would have been won by the Greeks. General Trivilas said the orders received by Prince Andrew were contradictory. He did not disobey the orders. Other evidence showed that Prince Andrew was an exemplary soldier, shared the hardships with the men, and treated the officers as equals. Prince Andrew, reading his own defence, pleaded that it was unfair to treat a Prince like other generals, as he was only a figurehead and occupied the position of Chief of the Army Corps owing to bis being the King’s brother. A TRAGIC FIGURE.

London, Dec. 3. The most tragic figure among those executed in Athens was M. Gounaris. Apparently he was long apprehensive regarding the success of th* Asia Minor campaign as well as regarding his own safety. He remarked at the conclusion of his unsuccessful mission to England to secure Allied assistance: “I may be going to my execution.” It is stated that in Februray last he sent a letter to Lord Curzon declaring that, unless the Allies gave an immediate provision of men, money and munitions. the Greek army would be forced I to evacuate, as it was not in a position i to withstand a Turkish offensive.

Lord Curzon replied that he believed such pessimism was not justified. Later came Mr. Lloyd George’s speech, which excited such enthusiasm that the Greeks held on till they were defeated.