GREECE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 June 1917, Page 5

GREECE.

STERN MEASURES. HAVING SALUTORY EFFECT. Received June 18, 6.5 p.m. London, June 17. Mr, Ward Price, wiring from Larissa, states that the stern measures for punishing Greek treachery are having a salutary eflect upon the Greeks, who elsewhere have not attempted opposition. The inhabitants placed wreaths and the Franco-Greek flags upon the French graves. Large numbers of German agents, spies, suppliers of submarines and Royalist desperadoes have been arrested* in Athens. M. Jounart declined the request of the Minister of the Interior for the immediate release of the leaders of the reservist leagues. Paris, June 17. M. Ribot, replied to M. Venizelos that the protecting Powers in allotting France the task of assisting Greece to regain unity, desire to point out. htat the principles that guided them a century ago to secure freedom for the Hellenes remain unchanged. France gladly takes up the great national work to ensure the triumph of the free institutions of Greece. CONSTANTINO DEPOSITION. I THE FINAL .SCENES. Times' Service. •London, June 17. Mr. Jeffries, the Times' correspondent at Athens, states that during the closing hours of Constantine's reign M. Journat encountered all sorts of proGerman manoeuvres. Shoals of telegrams were dispatched declaring that any attempt to remove Constantine would precipitate civil war and deluge Greece in blood. M. Journat remained unmoved. Then the P»oval clique attempted a compromise, offering to hand over M. Gounaris, General Dousmanis, and M. Metaxis instead of Constantine. M. Journat had a long interview with M, Zairnis and said the Allies' demands were irrevocable. ■M. Zaimis. departed to the Palace and told the King his fate. The King subsequently held a Crown Council consisting of nine ex-Prime Ministers and read aloud the fateful words demanding his abdication. M. Gournaris exclaimed, "It is impossible." Constantine stopped him, say. ing, "I have decided to accept." The Crown Councillors then left tho Palace in agitation. M. Skoulondis collapsed outside, and was carried to a motor-car. Subsequently Constantine 'had lunch with the Royal family and afterwards announced that lie had abdicated, and that the Crown Prince had been forced to renounce his rights. The Queen burst into tears and fell on a, couch speechless. The Princesses were also overcome. The German press states, on the authority of the Greek Legation at Berne, that Constantine does not intend to renounce the throne. His abdication is jnerelv temporary until circumstances permit his resumption. THE TRAITOR IN TEARS. London, June 17. Correspondents' messages from Athens, previously censored, disclose a dramatic scene at the palace when the Entente's ultimatum arrived The Crown Prince said little, buk Constantine. with tears in his eyes, addressing Prince Alexander, -who also wept, said: "The Allied Powers have permitted me to choose a successor between vou and your brothers. You will succeed me." Constantine's friends, hearing the news, frantically drove to the palace, their motors passed the distraught sentries and the courtyard quickly filled with agitated men and sobbing' women crying repeatedly, "The King abdicates." The church bells commenced tolling, and the demonstrators shouted "Don't go," demanding to see Constantine. Prince Nicholas received a deputation, and explained the developments. He said: "The King embraces you and bids you accept the bitter cup without resentment." Crowds hailed the departing monarch, "We don't want you to go. We want our King." M. Venizelos sent a message to M. Ribot: "Thanks for the protecting power. Greece has entered a new era and will march resolutely on the path of honour, duty and her own national traditions." Constantine has finally left Greek territory. The Military Club has been closed. A proclamation has been issued that persons tampering with military telegraph and telephone wires will be shot Farther troops have been landed at the Piraeus. The navigation of Greek waters and traffic on the rail.ways is being resumed and normal conditions'are being re-established STATEMENT BY ALLIES. Athens, June 17. M. Journat, in his proclamation to the Greeks, stateß that France, Britain and Russia, desiring the independence and prosperity of Greece intend to defend the , brave little land which they have liberated against the united efforts of the Turks, Bulgarians and Germans. They have put a checkmate to the manoeuvres of the hereditary enemies of Greeee in order to prevent violations of tho Constitution and intrigues leading to the massacre of the Allies' soldiers last December. The protecting Powers will assure tho constitutional progress of the country to ■ which the late Kfog , George was scrupulously faithful, but which King Constantine 'had ceased to respect. The Allies appeal to your good sense and patriotism. They will pitilessly repress any reprisals against Greeks of any party, will not tolerate breaches of the peace, will safeguard lives and property, and will not force upon the Greeks a general mobilisation, A FORLORN HOPE FOR CONSTANTINE. 'Berne, June 17. It is rumored in German official circles that King Oonstantine will proceed to Germany via Switzerland, for the purpose of leading an expedition against the Allies via Bulgaria.