THE ABDICATION OF CONSTANTINE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9690, 19 June 1917, Page 5

THE ABDICATION OF CONSTANTINE

SORROW or EX-KING’S FRIENDS LATEST DRAMATIC EPISODE IX GRECIAN HISTORY, By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. ' Australian and New Zealand Cahlo Association. LONDON, Juno 17. Correspondents’ messages from Athens, which had been previously censored, disclose that there, was a dramatic scene at the palace when the .i‘-ii-tente’s ultimatum arrived. The Crown Prince said little. King Constantine, with tears in his eyes, addressing Prince Alexander, who also wept, said: “The Allied Powers hare permitted mo to choose a successor between you and your brothers. You will succeed'mo.” . . , Constantine’s friends, on hearing the news, frantically drove to the palace in motors, and passed the distraught sentries. The courtyard was quickly filled by agitated men and sobbing women, crying repeatedly; “The King abdicates!” Church bells commenced tolling, and the demonstrators shouted “Don’t go,” and demanded to see Constantino. Prince Nicholas received a deputation, and explained the developments. He said; “The King embraces you, and bids you accept the bitter cup without resentment.” _ . The crowds hailed the departing monarch with cries of “Wo don, t want you to go. Wo want our Kingl” , THE ALLIES’ DEMAND IRREVOCABLE QUEEN AND STATESMEN COLLAPSE AT DECISION. Published in “The Times.” LONDON, June 17. Mr W. Jelfries. writing from Athens, states: During the closing hours of Constantino’s regime M. Jonnart encountered all sorts of pro-German manoeuvres. Shoals or telegrams and dispatches wore received, do-daring that any attempt to remove Constantine would precipitate civil war, and d'olugo Greece with blood. M. Jonnart remained unmoved. Then the Royal clique attempted to compromise, offering to hand over Gounaris, Dousmanis, and Motaxas instead of Constantine. M. Jonnart had a long interview with M. Zairais (Premier) and said that tho Allies’ demands were irrevocable. M. Zaimis departed lor the palace, and told the King his fate. Tho King subsequently held of Crown Council, consisting of Ministers. Ho read aloud tho fateful words demanding his abdication, W. Gounaris exclaimed: “It is .impossible.” Constantine stopped' linn, saying; “I have decided to accept.” . The Crown,' Councillors left the palace much agitated. M. Skouloudis collapsed outside, and was carried to a motor-car. Subsequently Constantine lunched with the Royal Family, and afterwards announced that he, had abdicated, and that the Crown Prince had been forced' to renounce ins rights. Tho Queen hurst into tears, and fell upon a couch speechless. Tho Princesses were also overcome. Tho German press states, on the authority of the Greek Legation at Berne, that Constantine does not intend to renounce his throne. His abdication is merely temporary, until circumstances permit his resumption as King. STERN MEASURES FOR PUNISHING TREACHERY MANY GERMAN SPIES AND ROYALIST DESPERADOES ARRESTED. Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association. (Received June 18, 6.40 p.m.) LONDON, June 18. Mr Ward Price reports from Larissa that the, stern measures adopted for punishing Greek treachery lias had a salutary effect. Greeks clsowjiore have not attempted to oppose the placing of wreaths and Franco-Creek flags upon French graves. . ..... . Largo numbers of German agents, spies, and suppliers of submarines and Royalist desperados have been arrested. FIRM STAND BY ALLIES’ PLENIPOTENTIARY Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. / (Received Juno 18, 6-40 p.m.) ATHENS, Juno 18. . M. Jonnart has declined the request of the Minister for the Interior for the immediate release of the leaders of the reservist leagues. FREEDOM FOR THE HELLENES FRANCE’S SHARE IN THE WORK. Australian and New Zealand Cable .Association. (Received Juno 18, G. 40 p.m.) PARIS, -Tunc 18. M. Ribot, Premier, replying to a communication from M. Vehizelos, states that the protecting Powers in allotting to France the task of assisting Greece to regain its unity, dcsiro to point out that the principles which guided them a century ago to secure the freedom of the Hellenes remain unchanged. France gladly takes up the great national work to iv.-nre a triumph of free institutions in Greece. “THE BRAVE LITTLE LAND OF GREECE” \ TO BE DEFENDED BY ALLIES AGAINST ALL AGGRESSION. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. ATHENS, Juno 17. M. Jonnart, in a proclamation to tho Greeks, states that Fiance, Britain, and Russia, desiring tlie independence and prosperity of Greece, intend to defend the bravo little land, which they have liberated against the united efforts of the Turks, Bulgarians, and Germans. They will put an end to and checkmate the manoeuvros of the hereditary enemies of Greece, and prevent violations of the constitution and intrigues such as led to the massacre of ths Allies’ soldiort in December. The protecting Powers will assure the constitutional progress of tho country, to which the lute King George had been scrupulously faithful, but which Constantine had ceased to_ respect. “The Allies appeal to your good sense and patriotism. They' will pitilessly repress any reprisals against Greeks-of any party, and will not' tolerate a Preach of tho poacc, but will.safeguard Jives and property by united force.” The Military Club has been closed. A proclamation has been issued declaring that persons tampering with military telegraph ana telephone wires will be shot. Further troops have landed at Piraeus. Navigation of Greek waters and traffic on the railways is being resumed, and normal conditions are being reestablished. LATE GREEK KING PROCEEDS TO GERMANY ALLY LEAD EXPEDITION AGAINST ALLIED. Reuter’s Telegrams. BERNE. June 17. It is rumoured in Gorman official circles that Constantine will proceed to Germany, via Switzerland, for the purpose of leading an expedition against the Allies through Bulgaria. GREECE ENTERS UPON A NEW ERA

■ Australian and New Zca M. ‘.Venizelos sent the following me: protecting power. Greece has entered o ly in the path of honour and duty, and INDIAN WAR LOAN OVER £26,000,000 SUBSCRIBED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Eeuter’s Telegrams. (Received June 18, 11.10 p.m.) CALCUTTA, Juno. 18. The Indian war loan has closed. The subscriptions exceeded £24,000,000, besides £2,380,000 in Post Office and quinquennium certificates.

land Cable Association. LONDON, Juno 17. ■.sage to M. Dibot;—“Thanhs lor your n a new era, and will march resoluieoiir own national traditions.” REMOVED FROM DANGER ZONE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright A us. and X.Z. Cable Assn, and Eeuter. LONDON, June 17. A German official message states; As Britain has announced that the withdrawal of all German prisoners of war to thirty kilometres (twenty miles) behind the front has been completed, Germany has completed a similar movement.