The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1915. THE SUBMISSION OF GREECE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 November 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1915. THE SUBMISSION OF GREECE.

i If there were any who doubted the success of Lord Kitchener's mission to ,'A.theus they must now feel perfectly ' satisfied that the peaceful victorv he gained over King Constantine i 9 as complete as the most sanguine could desire. We. may never know the details of that historical and momentous interview, but judging from subsequent events it may be fairly assumed that King Constantine was presented with the choice of submission or the effect of starvation on the part of his people. The British denial of a blockade is strictly correct. There was no blockade, but there was an effective embargo on Greek shipping and sea-borne commerce, which was not lifted until Greece came to terms. Lord Kitchener knew where and how to strike in order to carry mi his plans,

and King Coustantine knew that starving peasants were not likely to be gentle in their methods of dealing Tilth an obstinate monarch who was responsible for lack of food. It is not surprising, therefore, that he choose the lesser evil and agreed to the Allies terms. It is now stated that Greece has cordially agreed to the Allies' demands for the occupation of such portions of Greek territory as may be necessary under any circumstances that may arise; also to continue all facilities of railways and telegraphs; the withdrawal of -Greek troops from the vicinity of the Allied forces, should these have to fall back on Greek territory; Greece to accept restitution of occupied territory and reasonable compensation for damage—all of which are embraced under the comprehensive designation of "benevolent neutrality." According to the Greek Consul General (who has returned to London), King Constantine's desire for an interview with Lord Kitchener was a spontaneous one, so that soldier could talk to soldier—and that it .was a mistake to think that his sovereign was unfriendly to England. Such loyalty is commendable, but the question naturally arises as to why King Constantine has acted in such an unfriendly way, when he could have aided the Allies and promoted the best interests of his country by carrying out his agreement with Ser. bia, and rendered the* prompt defeat of the Bulgarians a matter of certainty. The truth is that Greece, as represented by her King, his General Staff, and a section of the leaders wanted to be on the winning side, and they believed Germany would win. Mr. Donohoe, the war correspondent, throws a different light on King Constantine's attitude, which, he says, was at first opposed to giving the required guarantees, but his Majesty ultimately yielded, with the best -possible grace, not on account of friendship, but because food was desperately short, and the fear of what hungry peasants might do. It is satisfactory to learn from the same source that the Allies have insisted on the control of the Salonika-Serbia railway, and that it is believed facilities are to be given to the Allies to land at other ports, particularly in Epirus and Thrace. Later cables confirm the intention of Greece to observe a benevolent neutrality, so that the positon of the Allies is now. safe so far as Greece is concerned. The tension in Greece is now relieved, and the danger of the stoppage of much needed food supplies having passed away, prices have dropped, and the people cannot but rejoice that they have escaped from a national disaster. Already the Allies have got to work and landed heavy guns, arranged for erecting barracks and an electric power station, while great stock of munitions are leaving Salonika for Monastir. We are told also that the Russians have large forces ready to invade Bulgaria, and that heavy French guns are bombarding Prilip. It is to Lord Kitchener alone that the credit for this success in securing the submission of Greece is due, and there is little doubt that the campaign which may be said to be now commencing has been carefully and thoroughly planned, and of its success we may feel perfect confidence, the one and only regret being the unfortunate delay that has caused such great hardships and losses to our brave Serbian Allies. They may certainly look to the not very remote future for their reward. Now that Greece has been brought to reason, the way is cleared for effectively dealing with the enemy.