ABDICATION DENIED.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 5 September 1916, Page 2

ABDICATION DENIED.

EXTRAORDINARY CHAOS IN ATHENS. LONDON,, September 2 The Greek Minister in London denies King Constantine’s abdication. Athens telegrams on Friday state that King Constantine’s temperature had risen, and he is confined to his bed. The latest detailed descriptions from Athens, dated Thursday, before the arrival of the Allied warships at Piraeus, overshadowed the news of the Salonika insurrection. The situation is one of extraordinary chaos. Th e King is in his sick room, the Parliamentarians , have dispersed, and the elections have been postponed. Despite the Roumani n triumphs and the happenings at Salonika, M. Zamis is still of opinion that the policy of benevolent neutrality is sufficient to meet th e crisis. It is understood that the Vcnizelists now refuse to join the Zaimis Ministry or to share responsibility for, the present policy. Th e people are lacking proper leadership, and are in a state of muddled despair. Liberal newspapers are wildly exhorting the King and Government to follow Roumania’s example before it is too late owing to Bulgaria’s throwing up the sponge. The “Panas” states: “Italy is becoming a great Mediterranean Power; Roumania is becoming an empire, but Greece is becoming the living tomb of the Hellenic race. Awaken! Impose your will —tomorrow may be too late!’’ The general confusion is reflected in the army. It has just been demobilised, anfi the personnel of the migher commands has been thrown into the melting pot. Dousmanis attempted to staff the army with pro-Germans, whereof some have been dismissed, but the rest form a discordant element. Other officers favour deserting their, regiments and ioini.ng the Allies, but do not desire to act while Greece has a chance to declare war on the Bulgarian invaders. The retired general the loader of the 1900 revolution, has appealed for volunteers for an “Army of Salvation ” to drive out the Bulgarians. The Daily Telegraph’s correspondent says: A year ago M. Bratiano said: When you hear that Roumania enters the war, if I am Premier, you may be sure I have made myself secure of victory ten times over before plunging my country into the struggle. The duration of th e ‘war thereafter will not exceed six months. I am of opinion that the Balkan nations cannot sustain wars of longer duration.