THE BALKANS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3566, 28 September 1916, Page 5

THE BALKANS.

POSITION IN GREECE.

THE KING AND M. VENIZELOS

COMMUNICATIONS OPENED

IMPORTANT STATEMENT 33\ r

PEOPLE'S LEADER

(Received September 28, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Septembor 27. The " Daily Chronicle's" Athens correspondent fitates that King Constantino has opened communications with M. Vonizelos.

Prior bo .leaving Athens, M. Vcnize-: los made a s.j>ccial statement to a "Times'"' representative, in which he announced that he was going to the Greek islands to lead the movement against the Bulgarian invader' over-: running Greek Macedonia and maltreating, imprisoning, and .murdering unprotected Greeks, whom the Greek army left at their mercy. He could no longer resist the cry of bis compatriots, who were caliiug to him to save them. He had recently sent a message to King Constantino, urging him to rescue the Greeks, and offering to retire if ho would make th'o path easier.

M. VoniswjJos said he had hesitated taking the supremo step until ho was oonvinccd that those now controlling Greece's policy did not intend to arm and drive the enemy out. The patriotic movement was not intended against the King or the dynasty, but was made by those unable longer to stand aside. Also, it was the last effort they could make to induce the King to come

forth as King of the.Hellenes and follow the path of tinty by protecting liis

subjects

M. Veniy-elos said he felt stirc he could count on the goodwill of the free English people in tho mission ho was now sotting out to accomplish. Tho movement ho and M. Coundouritis were leading was purely national. They had exhausted all legaJ means to secure. integral national action, and if Athens moved in the right direction, tho Venizelists would assist in. every possible way. \