INTENTIONS OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT UNDER VENIZELOS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2902, 14 October 1916, Page 9

INTENTIONS OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT UNDER VENIZELOS

! ; - fßeuter's Telegram.) (Rec. October 13, 10.25 p.m.) " . London, October 13. ■ Mr. Ward Price at Salonika interviewed M. Vcnizelos, who states that the Provisional Government will collcct taxes and raise and equip troops. The kingdom of Greece has not ceased to exist, it is still a democratic State, with a King at the head, but thero are two Governments, of which the Provisional Government is supported by the -majority of tho people. . Speaking to M-. Venizelos in September, 1915, King Constantiue said: "Its international relations I consider ms-solf alone responsible." M- Venizelos replied: "You are enunciating the doctrine of the. divino right of Kings." M. Venizelos continued: "This lies. at the root of the King's attitude. He regards the kingdom of Greece as his own personal property, with the result that we have torn up the treaty with Serbia, lost touch with our old friends, England, France, and Russia, arid our hereditary enemies have invaded Greece. "We intend to establish ourselves at Salonika, exercise the functions of a duly-constituted Government, and u69 the name of the kingdom of Greece in our writings. Gradually what authority remains in Athens will melt away. In the meanwhile, we desire to fight on the side of the Allies, aud help Serbia to remove that stain on our honour. LSter we may issue a loan. We.have not yet asked for the recognition of tlie Powers, but-cannot see why it should be withheld." MOBILISATION ,TO BE DECLARED BY THE DEFENCE COMMITTEE. ' • Auatralian-Ne'w Zealand' C«.ble Association. . (Rec. October 13, 10.25 p.m.) Athens, October 12. M. Venizelos announces that he will shortly declare the mobilisation, of the islands and other areas adhering to the Defence Committee.