SUBSIDISED TEARS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8306, 26 November 1915, Page 5

SUBSIDISED TEARS.

MCHU-: CONCESSIONS ASKED KOR-

i Received Nov. 26. '2Mo p.m.)

LONDON. Nov. 25. Mr Donohuo, the war correspondent

[at Athens, comments on the change of attitude of the hysterical newspapers who have been weeping subsidised tears and raging against Britain. One would almost think that tho other Allies were not participating in the negotiations. Now that Greece has reaffirmed her good faith and unshakon resolve for a benevolent neutrality towards the Entente, the newspapers have ceased to abuse John Bull, and have commenced to urge the granting of more concessions. The Allies' note, it is pointed ■out, heartily approved of neutrality, and did not desire Greece to become a belligerent, but required, somthing more tangible than her 'verbal assurances, which rapidly , moving events might dissipate. The Greek Government protested that tKMr*, official word'plight to be sufficient,'but; finally, agreed to' the drafting of guarantees. Mr Donohuelearns that King Coflstantino at first j 'was opposed to_ the understanding, but j ultimately yielded with the best pos- j sible grace. The, agreement was the only way put of the.difficulty, because j food supplies were desperately short, and the hungry peasants have a knack of acting in self-protection in. famine. The Allies pointed out that-,ttheyr: did not desire to apply a hunger screw of undue duration, but the embargo de- I ponded entirely on Greece's attitude. The note was courteous but firm, and was careful not to wound the . Greek susceptibilities. The Allies did not mention demobilisation; but insisted on the control of Salonika and the Serbian railway. It is believed that the arrangements will give tho Allies landing facilities at other ports, particularly at Epirus and Thrace. There is intense relief among the people at the restoration of friendly relations, and food prices immediately dropped.

From Salonika it is reported that the. Allies, landed several heavy guns and machinery for an electric power station, and have-arranged contracts for the building of extensive barracks, indicating a long stay. Great stocks of munitions are leaving Salonika for Monastir, and meanwhile heavy French guns are bombarding Prilep. Fifteen thousand Austrians are reported to be inarching towards Ochrida and Monastar. ' ■ ' ' »