INTERVIEW WITH KING CONSTANTINE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2661, 5 January 1916, Page 5

INTERVIEW WITH KING CONSTANTINE

"I AM A MAN OF HONOUR" GREEK NEUTRALITY TO BE MAINTAINED AT ALL COSTS % By Telegraph—Picas Auroctaliifr-Copyright . . , r London, January 3. In the course of the interview with Mr. Martin Donohoe, tho war correspondent, King Constantino added: "The fierce light that still beats upon a throne lias been concentrated twenty-fold by tho Allies on my actions. It is not a neutral light cither, but my opinions and pledges liave not been modified because I am a man of honour. I want to got this firmly, into the heads of the London editors and in the minds of the English people. It is said that Greece after final victory, whicli the Allies regard as already theirs, will be sent to Coventry, and will forfeit the friendship- of the Entente I cannot help that. My duty is to be neutral. I do not desire to join either belligerent. I am convinced that it is in the best interest of Greece to stand aloof. Speaking dispassionately, I cannot see that the military; result achieved up till to-day justifies the Entente's belief in a final and crushing victory. Frankly, I say as a soldier, I would view with positive alarm the prospect of attacking Germany, not because of my relationship to tho Kaiser, but simply because Germany lias proved a powerful military nation. I view with still greater apprehension the prospect of attacking England, knowing that she could blow my coast towns about my ears and pnt a speedy end to Greek commerce." King Constantino was of opinion that the Bnlgars would not cross the frontier, but i£ they did tlicy would depart peacefully after their operations against tlio Allies. He couldniot see any reason for tlie Allies remaining in Salonika; ho could \mderstaud it while there was still a possibility'of aiding Serbia, but that had failed. He did not expect an offensive from either side in tho Balkans. King Constantino paid a tribute to the heroism and tenacity of the troops at the Dardanelles, hut added : "If the Allies had listened to the counsels of those who understood the difficulties better, they should never have gone there." DESIRES THE CLOSEST FRIENDSHIP WITH BRITAIN. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. January 4, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 3. Mr. Crawford Price, who interviewed King Constantino, is convinced that lie is honest and not pro-German, and wishes to avoid quarrelling with Germany or the Allies. T.lio King states there is no secret understanding with Bulgaria. He attaches no importance and sees no uso for the occupation of Castcllorisso (off the coast of Asia Minor). Referring to Anglo-Greek relations, the King said: "Tlie umbrage I felt at some of your actions lias quite passed, and as a result there is harmony now prevailing at Salonika. 1. do not desire anything but the closest Friendship with Britain. It is manifestly absurd to suggest T have harboured antiBritish hostility, but at tlw same timo I will not be forced out of neutralSir. Pi'leo "Wlinl, will jmi do If the giilgiir* sU«ck Ha?" 'Kiaa. .Csjjstfwtioii ranliadj .".You Jj&xb a cleat field.' l .