M. VENIZELOS.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 338, 15 November 1915, Page 4

M. VENIZELOS.

WHAT THE GERMANS THINK. Dr Lederer, the well-known Balkan coi respondent of the Berliner Tageblatt, recently published an interesting article on M. Venizelos, who was Premier at the time. “There is no denying the fact, ’ he says, “Elevtherois Venizelos is the darling of jhis country, and the people belies fanatically in his star.” As an instance of his authority, which Dr Lederer characterises as “the most complete dictatorship I have ever seen,” the following is reported:

On the day of the election of a President of the Chamber, the Venizelists only learnt half an hour before the voting on whom Venizelos’ choice ihad fallen. When I asked one of the Venizelists how the party could accept ever' decision of its leader without any further information, in any case without being asked their opinion, he replied, What can we do. That is Venizelos’ way. He has made our country great, and success has never abandoned him yet, For the sake of this success we forgive him everything.” Dr Lederer proceeds to touch on the present relations between the King of Greece and the Premier. It will be remembered that when M. Venizelos was recalled, report had it that he and the King had come to an almost complete understanding. Dr. Lederer shows this was far from correct.

Even now there is certainly 'considerable matter for confli.t between Venizelos and the King. They stand at the point of intersection of two lines which otherwise go far apart. The King, with his General Staff, believes in the final success of the German and Austro-Hun-garian armies; Venizelos has not lost much of his faith in the invincibility of England which “commands the seas.” It was no easy matter for the King, after those stormy March days, to call Venizelos back to the Premiership. He subordinated all personal feelings only to the wishes of the people Which longed for the co-operation of its two eaders. The famous interview of Ahgust 17 between King and Premier under the green trees of Tatoi did not eliminate the fundamental cause of their differences.

It is to be regretted, concludes the German writer, that even to-day Venizelos refuses to see how his political view of the situation rests on entirely false premises. It is to be egretted, in the interests of Greece, w.horn one would otherwise wish to see guided through the heavy storms of tills year peacably and successfully to the end by this strong, enterprising, and unusual man.