THE ATHENS TROUBLE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLV, Issue 6804, 6 December 1916, Page 4

THE ATHENS TROUBLE.

Forced by Greeks.

Athens, Dec 3. After Admiral Dufournet had threatened to land troops the Greek Government refused his demand fcr the surender o£ war material equivalent in amount to that already handed over to the Bulgarians in Eastern Macedonia. The King's definite refusal was announced early on Friday morning, and the first shots were fired in the forenoon at the station clrse to the Acropolis. Crowds rushed into the streets and shops were shut up. Shortly afterwards a messenger arrived at tbe British Legation stating that firing htd occurred on the Blopes near the Acropolia between Fiench sailors and Greek reservists.1?^ '^£$8 g A detaebment-of Allied troops disembarked at Piraeua at three o'clock in the morning. Tbe landipg of English, French, and Italian contingents was without incident. The Greek Government had requisitioned the University and Polytechnic Institute for Greek naval detachments in order to forestall their occupation by Allied forces. Firing began near the station, which is the Athens terminus of the Piraeua line, between French sailors an Greek troops, The city was in a panic. Two French cruisers entered Phaleron, a bay which in ancient times f jimed one of the ports* of Athens. During the dheuibarkation of the Allies the railway to tho south <"f Athens-was cut. Firing began'at 10.30 o'clock on the morning at tbe Engineers' barracks. Simultaneously firing was heard on the line of Mars Hijl to the station. It wns severe at times, espTi'slJy at the Zippeioa, 3 larg3 building intended for the display of Greek industry, where a French detachment was quartered. There was also f ightmg on the Stadium side of the hill, between Greeks and Italians, who occupied the cottages near the road. The inhabitants took refuge on the plains of Attica and Phaleron and other coastal places. Several distinct fights took place on the outskirts of the city. The casualties are not known. Many were killed or wounded in the Zappeion building. The Greeks on the, Acropolis slopes captured 30 French' soldiers. In the afetrnoon the fleet bombarded positions on the southern hills. Two shells fell into the centre of the city. It is reported that King Constantino agreed to hand over six batteries. The British and French Ministers visited the palace in the evening and an armistice was then signed pending a further Crown Council. The Allied Ministers, under b Greek escort, vieited the Zappeion buildings, and had a conference with the commander. It is repotted that the Greek casualties cumber 100. The dangerous reservist element ai/peare'd to be determined to create serious disorder. Tbe Government at midnight on Tuesday issued a conmunique enjoining order and culm ness. An hour later twi great crowds assembled in tbe centre uf the city. One, outside the office, of the Venezelist newspaper Etbniki, fired 50 shots, causing consternation among the citizens. The patrols did not interfere. I Australian and N.Z Cable Asso | flggji,?; JKec'Dec 4, 2.50 p.m. §P^i Athens, Dec 3. " The position here is still obscure. The indications are that Allied detachments were landed as a measure of precaution, with orders not to seize the war material which the King in October promised to surrender to the Allies as a compensation for that delivered to Bulgaria and Germany. Meanwhile Greek troops suddenly assumed the aggressive, and tbe events cabled followed. Subsequently 600 Anglo-Egyptian marines raarched out 0, the* Zappeion, with all equipment, under a strong guard, en route to ithe Piraeus. A detachment of Ital an marines, who took refuge in tbe Archaeological School, were permitted quietly to depart under Greek escort. A Venizelist newspaper states that tbe provinces are excited. Allied supporters have been expelled from the control of many railway stations and telegraph offices.