CONSTANTINE EMBARKS ON A BRITISH WARSHIP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16567, 16 June 1917, Page 7

CONSTANTINE EMBARKS ON A BRITISH WARSHIP.

CROWDS ATTEMPT TO PREVENT HIS DEPARTURE. FRENCH TROOPS RESTORE ORDER IN ATHENS. Australian and N.Z. Cable. (Received 11 p.m.) LONDON. Juno 14. For several days before leaving Greece, Constantino was besieged in his palace. Crowds of reservists and citizens thronged the entrances, preventing the Royal Family leaving. Constantino was still a prisoner after the expiry of the ultimatum at mid-day on Tuesday. Crowds prevented the Ministers entering the palace. M. Zaimis, the Greek Premier, informed the allies that he was unable to disperse the crowds. French troops therefore commenced landing at Piraeus on Tuesday afternoon, and marched to Athens. There was a sudden diminution in the crowds before the . palace, and less agitation and animation in the streets. Constantihe, ' braving the besiegers, left in the evening in a closed motor-car at a terrific pace, accompanied by the Queen and the Grown Prince. Constantino was not molested, and embarked at Corfu on a British warship- It is reported he has chosen Denmark as his ultimate destination. Constantino issued the following proclamation: "Obeying necessity and fulfilling my duty to Greece, I am departing, from my beloved country with the heir to the throne, leaving my son Alexander on the throne. 1 beg you to accept my decision calmly, as the slightest incident may lead to a great catastrophe." The Syra correspondent of the Daily Mail states that the Royal Family, will accompany Constantino into exile. The allies will probably deport the pro-German leaders Gounaris, a former Premier, Dousmanis, Inetaxas, and Mercouris. It is stated that the allies informed M. Zaimis that when the war is over and order which the allies exact is established Constantine may resume the throne if the people wish it. King Alexander has taken the oath of accession. NEW YORK. Jane 14. The New Terk Times publishes an interview with Constantino obtained in July, 1916, on a promise not to print it until his death or abdication. Constantino blames the allies for ousting him. He expresses love for the Greek people, and asserts that he never cared for the throne, which he kept only for the Bake of his subjects.