GREECE.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1917, Page 5

GREECE.

SITUATION INTOLERABLE. DECLARATION OF WAR EXPECTED, PREPARATIONS BEIXG MADE. A. and X.Z. Cable Association. Received .Tan. 7, n.g p. m . London Jan. 0. Tlio Morning ] l o3t\s Athens correspondent states that, judging from the tone cf tile local press, Greece will shortly declare war. The entire, pres.-, which is exclusively pro-Government, under the King's order, declares passionately that tho situation is intolerable, and thnt Greece j s not disposed to allow hernelf to be forced by hunger to a meek acquiescence in the Allies' arbitrary wishes. The Government ia apparently meditating a desperate stroke, as the reservists are being secretly enrolled and notified to remain in readiness. Measures regarding artillery, stores and munitions are also being extensively taken.

REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES A. BLACKMAIL HARVEST,' BLOCKADE DISORGANISES TRADE. EFFECT OF GREEK HOSTILITY Received Jan. 7, 5,5 p.m. London. Jan. 0. The Daily Telegraph's Athens correspondent, telegraphing from Syria to avoid Greek censorship,, says there has been no abatement of the reign of terror. The reservists continue to tiriest their political opponents' and lar;.;e numbers of the population are terrorised, fearing spurious denunciations by the reservists, who are reaping a harvest by blackmail. The revival of the ceremonial of ostracism against Vcnizclos was' merely a piece of stagecraft. The priests reluctantly participated, under threats. Tht blockade has not yet seriously affected the food supply, but tjade is disorganised, and this is the most likely means of reducing the Government to reason. Though the King, it is believed, is not disposed to go to extremities, the military officers are truculent, and have sent a pro-war petition to Constantino stating believe that von Mackensen will soon sweep the south and the Entente will be impotent. The possibility of hostile Greek action immobilises a portion of General Sarrail's. army.

DAILY RATIONS RESTRICTED. Received Jan. 7; 5.5 p.m. Athens, Jan. 0. The Council of Ministers appointed a food dictator, who decided to restrict tic daily rations. RESERVISTS DESTROY RAILWAY. TO PREVENT TRANSPORT OF TROOPS. AMERICAN CITIZEN ILL-TREATED. London, Jan. 5. The Daily Telegraph's I'iruous correspondent states that reservists have blown up the rail and bridges south of Larissa, to prevent, the transport of troops to Peloppenessus. Only 7030 guns were moved before the New Year. The American Consul has presented a Xote, recounting the arrest and illtreatment of an American citizen named Saflis, and demanding an inquiry. A PAWN IN THE CAME." Amsterdam. Jan. 5. The German press is indignant at the Allies' Note to Greece, realising that Greece's future, usefulness as a pawn in Germany's game is rapidly vanishing. THE BLOCKADE'S PINCH. London, Jan. 5. The blockade is pinching Greece. The storks of grain and flour are barely sufficient to last until the. middle of January. Reservists are terrorising Athens, refusing to recognise any authority. Even' the military, which originally encouraged them, are obliged to bow to the dictates of what is really an armed mob. The establishment of a commune is possible. ENTENTE NOTE NOT ACCEPTABLE. Athens. Jan. 5. The- ex-premiers, who were consulted by the King, unanimously decided that the Entente Note was not acceptable, inasmuch as its acceptance would be equivalent to recognition that. Greece contemplated attacking Genera! Sarrail's rear. It is stated that the Government and King Constantino have decided to vejoet certain clauses of (he Note and passively submit to the consequences.