IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR FRENCH DIPLOMACY IN GREECE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16267, 28 June 1916, Page 7

IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR FRENCH DIPLOMACY IN GREECE

M. VENIZELOS TO RETURN TO PARLIAMENT. LATE PREMIER'S VAIN APPEAL TO GERMANY. LONDON. JUNE 26. The French newspaper Echo de Paris states that M. Skouloudis, former Premier of Greece, asked the Austrian and German Ministers for assistance against the allies. This was found impossible. The Premier then told King Constantine that resistance was out of the question. The King flew into a passion, but was helpless. Athens is quiet. The last resource of Germany's chief agent, Baron von Scbenck, was to bribe boys to distribute the allies' Note in the streets and to throw bundles in the gutters. Venizelist newspapers forecast a new era for Greece. The proGerman press is chagrined, and accuses officials of stupidity. Their papers urge Greeks not to vote at the elections. The Paris press claims that a most important victory for French diplomacy has been achieved. M. Venizelos, interviewed by Mr. Jeffries, the Daily Mail correspondent, said that the allied Note was the only possible solution of the difficulty. The Zaimis Cabinet can be relied upon instantly to end friction. M. Venizelos intends to return to Parliament.

M. Venizelos did not contest the last general election in Greece, nor did his followers vote, by way of protest against the infringement of the Constitution. Since then he has been returned, without oppoaition, for the Mitylene constituency.