FRIENDLY GREEKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1941, Page 5

FRIENDLY GREEKS

RECEPTION OF IMPERIAL TROOPS SPLENDID HOSPITALITY. NEW ZEALANDERS GREATLY IMPRESSED. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 11.0 a.m.) RUGBY. May 22. The capacity of ’the Imperial troops for making friends is typified by accounts from authoritative circles in Cairo, describing the warm welcome given to New Zealand troops in the Florina district of Greece, shortly before the action began. Each soldier was always introduced to the president of each village, who arranged special treats. The villagers also showered the New Zealanders with humble but welcome gifts, especially fish. “When the war is over. I am going to Auckland." said one gunner, "but the next best place and people is Greece., I am going back for a long visit later." One major said: "I visited six villages (hat week. Everywhere I met the same spirit of friendly helpfulness, and hundreds of small kindnesses. A sergeant said: "On a weekend, several of us were given leave and allowed to go to either of two villages and stay with the villagers. It was a fine leave. We accepted their hospitality in the spirit in which it was given. Of course we tried to pay, but in no cases was payment accepted. When we left, wine and fish were pressed on us." An Australian major affirmed: “There were absolutely no fifth columnists amongst the villagers. They were with us to a man."