Evening star., 1947-11-06

slavia. 1t Is one OF the great ports Of the world
In 1899. 726,000 tons Of freight came into the
port and $50 900 passed out from it. It's modern
shipyards, mechanical industries and foundries,
oil refineries, food processing plants, textile and
woodworking establishments employ that part
Of the population not engaged in handling the
traffic which flows through Trieste in normal
years.
1t produces very little of the food its people
need. AS very little commerce at present is
passing through the port. its inhabitants have
not the income sufficient to buy the food to
sustain them. When the war-stricken coun-
tries OF Europe recover and trade increases,
Trieste will again be prosperous. In the mean
time, 1t is doubtful If its mixed population could
sustain itself even at a very low level without
outside aid.
1t needs wheat, fats, evaporated milk and
preserved meat to keep its population healthy,
until the commerce of the port furnishes suf-
fcient income to its inhabitants to obtain these
necessities.
Greece Pitful War Victim.
Greece, liberated country, is in extremely
poor economic health. It's ports, so vital to its
well being, were badly battered during the war.
Much of its merchant marine and most Of the
fishing fleet and ferry boats were sunk.
Upwards of 100000 homes were destroyed or
damaged. This is the heaviest percentage in
destruction of homes in any country, with the
possible exception of Germany large part
of the locomotives and rolling stock was de-
stroyed or worn out. The rail system has been
largely restored but the engines, passenger and
freight cars are very short OF needs.
During the German occupation and the post
war period, the currency system of the country
has been seriously weakened by large amounts
of printing press money.
About one-fifth of the population, 1,400, 900
people, are declared by the Greek government
to be indigents, who cannot achieve for them
selves the barest minimum standard of living.
Government revenue Is less than half OF the
prewar figure.
Lack of natural resources has always tried
severely the energy, initiative and bargaining
power Of the Greek people in their efforts to
make both ends meet. The destruction Of war,
occupation by the enemy followed by = bitter
civil war, intensified her already precarious
economic position.
The presence of large bands of guerrillas,
terrorizing the countryside from hidden strong
holds in the mountains has forced many
people to leave their farms in order to find
security in villages and towns where military
forces are SCatlOned InlS puts an extra SCraln
on the available supply of food, while absence
Of such farmers from the land means less food
will be produced in the future.
Covetous Neighbors to the North.
Greece's neighbors to the north, Albania.
Yugoslavia and Bulgaria, are undoubtedly
sympathetic to the cause of the Greek guerrillas.
They likewise covet Greek territory. These
countries are satellites of Russia, and Russia
is probably not displeased with the civil strife
in Greece.
Outside help so far has been extended in
helping Greece organize and equip small mill
tary force for the purpose of establishing law
and order; in the repair of damaged ports,
homes and industrial plants; supplying food,
agricultural equipment and the like.
Without further help from the outside any
thing might happen. Undoubtedly, civil war
would grow in violence, and the big powers
might be drawn into it to protect their own
interests
There can be no real recovery in Greece until
security is established. Even then 1t will be hard
to maintain security until the economy OF the
country, always severely strained In peace time.
il put on q sounder footing. Greece Is in dire
straits,