GREEK POSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 9 December 1920, Page 2

GREEK POSITION

I AUSTRALIAN iV N. 7. oAm,E ASHOOAI lON l LONDON, Dee. 7. The London “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent states: Apart from financial consequences of King Constantine’s return to Greece, that country is faced with a danger of a secession of redeemed provinces, which have been advised by the Greek Patriarch at. Constantinople against agreeing to King Constantine’s restoration. Under this powerful influence, there .already is a -danger of Crete, and the lonian and other islands seceding. “It is doubtful if Britain will cede Cyprus, or Italy will c-edo a naval base at Rhodes to a Constantinist Greece. Constantine’s restoration may compel Britain to hesitate before altering the present status of Egypt and her military dispositions there. -The prospects of Constantine’s regime are causing lively apprehension in several Balkan States, especially Jugo-slavia and Bulgaria, owing to the importance of Greece’s Aegean communications.” ATHENS, Dec 8. ---

The plebiscite as to Constantine’s return has closed. Unprecedented “mafficking” occurred at the close of it. An account describes events as a saturnalia, in which the .lowest dregs of the population, especially the women, participated. There are very contradictory versions of the Greek Government’s intentions in view of the Allies’ Note. One states that they will persist in recalling King Constantine. Another report states a message has already been sent to-'Constantine urging him to abdicate in favour of the Crown Prince. LONDON, Dec 8.

Constantine, in an interview at Lucerne, buoyantly and jestingly discussed thp position with-a British correspondent. He said he would return to Greece immediately he received a summons to return. His going would unite Greece, and they would find that Greece would be mindful of the Allies’ interests. His restoration would not involve a change in the country’s foreign policy. Greece wanted to know what she got. Therefore slie must cultivate good relations with the Allies. It was not intended to quit Asia Minor. On the contrary’, lie would gladly lead an army there if the Government requested him. He emphatically denied that he intend ed to appoint ex-Premier Venizelos to a high post in Greece. He did not want Venizelos, but if at any time Venizelossecured a majority! lie would not hesitate to invito him to form a Cabinet. He wanted to remain neutral in war time. He had only sent the ex-Kaiser aVsympathetic telegram to keep kim quiet. -