SCHENK'S ATHENS BODYGUARD

Evening Star, Issue 16263, 4 November 1916, Page 12

SCHENK'S ATHENS BODYGUARD

I was given an opportunity of seeing for myself the organisation which Baron •Schenk has set up to defend himself in the house which he occupies (writes G. J. Stevens from Athens). It was sufficient for us —a party of liritish journalists—to pass through the street in which he lives and to look up at, his house to set in motion all the elaborate precautions he has taken to ensure his safety. The alarm was given, which brought out over a score of bravoes| who looked like cut-throat?, and who had been sitting in various cafes in close proximity to the baron's residence, keeping watch over him. The first result of our appearance was the stealthy opening of the baron's door, from behind which three scowling 'faces appeared, whilst two other men were hiding in obscurity, with revolvers ready. From a side street two more came up. We followed these two, and saw them goingfiihe round of the cafes, and nodding or simply giving a sign with their hands. In an instant over 20 men had gathered round the- baron's house, in groups of two or three. A woman opened a top-story window, and kept watch on the street. When wo tried to repass the house one of the-roughs rushed up to the door and thrust a card under it, and rang the bell. This was evidently an alarm signal. We left the street, but our steps were dogged, and even as I am writing at the desk in the telegraph office one of Schenk's men is near by shadowing me. The baron seems determined not to give himself up quietly, and trouble may result.