Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1941. HELP FOR GREECE.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 March 1941, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1941. HELP FOR GREECE.

♦ QREEK infantrymen armed with bayonets, grenades and courage and supported, by light, well trained mountain artillery, did well in the early stages of the war against the Italians in Albania, the latter being fully supplied with aeroplanes, tanks and other mechanised equipment. So well did the Gi'eeks acquit themselves as to earn the world’s admiration. Then when Britain came to their assistance with relays of R.A.F. machines, in control of experienced air fighters, the Italians began to realise the undaunted spirit of Democracy which they were up against, Mnssolini has during the past few days striven to explain away the Italian defeats in Albania and Africa, bombastically acclaiming that all is well with the forces of Italy and that the day is at hand when the Italians will wreak vengeance on their enemies. And while he is thus boasting, his Empire is crumbling about his head.

There was an outcry«in the United States some months ago that admiration was not enough to express towards the Greeks for their valiant efforts; there should be something more practical in the way of assistance by sending aeroplanes and guns to the Greeks. Genera] Alexander Papagos stated recently that the war in Albania would have been over by now had the Greeks possessed 300 good aeroplanes when hostilities commenced. For two or three months there was no help given Io the Greeks except, by Britain, in the matter of bombers and heavy guns. Now that the United (States is allowing the sale of arms and equipment to Greece, and Britain is sending more guns, motor vehicles and air support to the Greeks, the prospect of the Italians being driven out of Albania becomes more hopeful, despite the strong assistance which Germany lias been for some time giving her ally. Warplanes are being produced in the United States in considerable numbers for Greece, and discretion is being used in allocating the sale of arms anil equipment Io Greece so as not to impair the effort that is being made to supply the utmost in planes and munitions to Britain or Io the American army. The Greek problem, as it may be called, is a vital one for both the British Empire and the United Stales, and the fate of Democracy will to a large extent depend upon the fight put up by Greece.

The cablegrams today indicate that the position in the Balkans has become very acute and that many Bulgarian troops are stationed on the Greek frontier with two divisions on the Turkish frontier. Apparently the German forces are ready for a drive through to Greece with the object of easing the pressure on the Italian forces in Albania and striking a blow ;H Britain’s supremacy in the Mediterranean, Britain and her allies are doubtless fully prepared for any German move. ;ind the enemy should find the Balkans a section of war territory which will cause them heavy loss. British aid Io Greece has been steadily increasing during the past few weeks and the Greeks, following on the smashing blows aimed al the Italian troops in Albania, are in good heart and resolutely determined to meet any aggression on the home front or further afield. Turkey is also facing the position in a resolute manner and is prepared to honour her treaty obligations with Britain and Greece. In lhe struggle that is ahead, Bulgaria and lluniania will doubtless I'eel the full force of the war that is being waged to preserve civilisation, from the ravages of Hitlerism,