The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1920. THE POLICY OF GREECE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1920, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1920. THE POLICY OF GREECE.

The result of the Greek elections is not altogether a surprise, inasmuch as stability is the one thing that is prominently missing in Greek affairs. The contrast presented by ancient and modern Greece is extremely striking, and it is probable that centuries of subjection to Turkey caused a marked impression on Greek character. It should be remembered that the independence of Greece as a nation dates as recently as 1830, and even then the country was under the protection of Prance, Britain and Russia. Less than seventy years after this event Greece was again in conflict with Turkey, was defeated, and had to undergo a reconstruction of frontier in Turkey 's favor, besides having to submit to international eontrol in financial matters, and some idea may be formed of the need for such control by the fact that in 1915 the external debt of the country was only a little short of forty-six millions sterling. In 1917 the pro tectiug Powers found it necessary to bring about the abdication of Constantine and to require the Crown Prince to leave the country, Alexander (or Alexandras) being chosen King. The events leading up to this event, as well as the death of Alexander, will be fresh in the memory of the present generation, more particularly the duplicity and unreliability of Constantine. Of the part which M. Venizelos has played in Greek affairs and the way in which he did all in his power to assist the cause of the Allies, are well known. As Prime Minister after the fall of Constantine he had a most difficult task to accomplish in consequence of the open and secret conspiracies of the pro-German and Constantine seciton of his countrymen. That he did so well in guiding the chaotic affairs of his country shows that he was a statesman far above the average to be found among the Greeks, but the elections gave the irretoncilables an opportunity for bringing about his defeat, and he has now shaken the dust of his country from his feet and proceeded abroad, although it is reported that the soldiers' votes are largely in his favor, and are likely to strongly affect the final result. Pew people will blame Venizelos for leaving the scene of his great political and administrative aetivi.jies, inasmuch as Greek treachery is

proverbial, and it by no means improbable that had he remained he would have lost his life: What will happen now is matter for speculation, Constantine has made .some very plausible remarks on the situation, laying stress on the contention that he still regards himself as King of the Hellenes, and professing a desire to have Britain as an ally. The intrinsic value of /(hat profession has to be judged in the light of the fact that, for the time being at least, the Hohenzollerns are out of business, but it is hardly likely that the Allies will place any faith or trust in such a broken reed as Constantine. More to the point as regards Greek policy is the statement by M. Ralli that the for* eign policy of the. country was bound up with the Allies' cause, and that no change would be made. The Allies' prohibition against Constantine is unlikely, to be lifted, for the danger that his resumption of the Crown would lead to hostilities against Turkey so as to regain lost territory is too great to be risked. What Greece needs is a firm, stable, and reliable Government that would concentrate on developing the resources and trade of the country, as well as ensure peace. Greece, internationally considered, is more or less a danger zone, and the Allies are directly interested in its advancement on safe lines. It is not only imperative that Greek foreign policy should be such as will be acceptable to the Allies, but it is equally necessary that her domestic policy should also be satisfactory'. Probably for some time to coriie it will be difficult for Greece to avoid troubles owing to strong factional feeling and the natural love of fighting inherent in the Greeks. Developments will be watched with keen interest.