Evidently the present Greek authorities so badly need to
pull through the design they have planned for September 1,
in spite of the resistance of the people, that they must leave
their internal affairs in the shadows and, for this purpose,
divert attention to external affairs.
The present Greek Government, as is known, leans for
support upon foreign troops. And ttoe's£ troops do not want
to leave this foreign country. Of course, foreign bayonets
can play their role, but, gentlemen, such assistance is un-
reliable, because it evokes the opposition of the people. It
creates the impression that the present Greek rulers enjoy
no authority with their people, that they need the support
of foreign troops. It appears, too, that the Greek authorities
need the International Conference to assist them in their
foreign political manoeuvres. This is asking too much!
The Soviet delegation believes that the Peace Conference
will refuse to facilitate these foreign political manoeuvres,
which the Greek delegation needs before the plebiscite of
September 1. The Soviet delegation move's the rejection of
the proposal of the Greek delegation, which is striving to
dismember Albania and to involve the Peace Conference in
this affair. There are other ways of considering disputes
between neighbours. After the signing of the peace treaty
with Italy, the Greek Government can, if this should be
necessary, avail itself of the usual rules of diplomatic pro-
cedure Jx> adjust its relations with its neighbours. (Applause.}