Greece

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 8, 4 December 1916, Page 5

Greece

INEVITABLE HAPPENS.

STREET FIGHTING IN ATHENS. INTENSE EXCITEMENT. '.'less Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 2. The Daily Mail's Athens correspondent states that the King's definite refusal to hand over the guns was announced early on Friday morirng, and that the first shots fired in the forenoon were those on the station close to the Acropolis. Crowds were soon rushing into the streets, and the shops were shutting up. Shortly afterwards a messenger arrived at the British Legation stating that firing had occurred on the slopes of the Acropolis, between French sailors and Greek reservists.

SEVERAL DISTINCT FIGHTS. Athens, December 3. During the disembarkation the railway southward of the city was cut. (Firing began at 10.30 in the morning at the engineers' barracks. Simultaneously firing was heard on the line from Mars' Hill to the station. It was severe at times, especially at the Zappeion Exhibition, where the French detachment was quartered. There was fighting also on the Stadion side of the hill, between the Greeks and the Italians, who occupied cottages near the road, the inhabitants taking refuge-pn the plains of Attica. At Phaleron and other coastal places there were several distinct fights, and also on the outskirts of the city.

ARMISTICE AGREED UPON.

100 CASUALTIES REPORTED. Athens, December 2. The King has agreed to surrender six batteries of mountain guns on Admiral du Fournet agreeing immediately to withdraw all troops, except a guard of 300 at Zappeion. The arrangements have been referred to the Entente Governments. Exciting scenes occurred before the announcement of the King's surrender. Greek troops attempted to prevent the Allies passing certain points, and collisions occurreu. Rifle-firing ensued, and continued all the afternoon. There was also a lively fusilade between the Royalists and Venizetists. Guns boomed at intervals, said to be the French bombarding the hill behind the Palace. A great panic prevailed. The Daily Chronicle's Athens correspondent reports that many were killed and wounded at the Zappeion building. The Greeks on the Acropolis slopes took prisoner thrity French. In the afternoon the fleet bombarded the positions on the southern hills, and two shells fell in the centre of the city. It is reported that King Constantine has agreed to hand over six batteries. The Anglo-French Ministers visited the Palace in the evening. An armistice was then signed, pending'a further conference between the Crown and Council.

The Allied Ministers, under Greek escort, visited the Zappeion buildings, and conferred with the commander. It is reported that the Greek casualties were 100.

[POSITION OF THE VENIZELISTS. Zurich, December 2. The Frankfurter Zeitung publishes a semi-official statement that if the Yenizelists participate in the fighting, the German authorities have decided that they be treated as rebels against their King. CREEK HELPLESSNESS. Press Association— Copyright, Austra* Press Association— Copyright. (Received 8.55 a.m.) Amsterdam, December 3. Herr Zimmerman announced that the Greek Minister expressed the Hellenic Government's regret at their inability to prevent the departure of Ministers of friendly States.