In the Balkans

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 24, 4 January 1916, Page 5

In the Balkans

KING CONSTANTINE TALKS. A PLAUSIBLE STATEMENT. SQUARING BOTH SIDES. United Press (Association. (Received 8.50 a.m.) London, January 3. King Constantine added: “The Allies’ fierce light that still heats upon my throne has been concentrated twenty-fold on my actions. It is not a neutral light either, but my opinions and pledges have not been modified

because I am it man of honor. 1 want to got this firmly into the heads of the London editors and into the minds of the English people. It is said that Greece, after the final victory which the Allies regard as already theirs, will he sent to Coventry for forfeiting the friendship of the Entente. 1 cannot help that. My duty is to lie neutral, lido not desire to join either of the belligerents, being convinced that it is ill the licst interest of Greece to stand aloof.' Speaking dispassionately, I cannot see the military result achieved up to. to-day to justify the Entente’s belief in a final crushing victory. I frankly say, as a soldier, that I would view with positive alarm the prospect of attacking Germany, not because of my relationship to the Kaiser, but simply because Germany has proved a powerful military nation. I would have still greater apprehension at the prospect of attacking England, knowing that she could blow my coast tovVns about ray ears and put a speedy end to Greek commerce.” King Constantine was of the opinion that the Bulgars would 'not cross the frontier, hut if they did they would depart without having accomplished anything after their operations against the Allies. He saw no reason for the Allies remaining at Salonika. He could understand it white there "'as still a possibility of aiding Serbia, but that failed, and it was not expected there would be an offensive by either side in the Balkans. He paid a tribute to the heroism and tenacity of the troops at the Dardanelles; but added that if the Allies had listened to the counsels of those who understood the difficulties better, they would never have gone there.