THE POSITION IN GREECE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3280, 24 January 1917, Page 21

THE POSITION IN GREECE.

Mr Jeffries advises from Athens that in the event of the non-acceptance of the Allies' ultimatum General Sarrail was piepared to entirely destroy the Greek army. All his plans wc.ro ready in the event of tho entry of the Greeks against the Allies based on co-operation with the Germans. If Mackensen had boon at Monastir the Greek Government's reply, perhaps, might havo been different; but, as it was, even tho arch-Gorman Gounaris counselled the acceptance of the ultimatum. A British military mission, composed of General Phillips and three others, has arrived and called at Lambros. Tho object of tho mission is to participate id the Allied military control. Captain Rogers has taken charge of tho shipping movements at Piraeus. The situation has greatly improved. Ino released Vcnizolists are unmolested, and the question of indemnifying them for imprisonment has been settled by the Allied Commission. The blockade will not be raised until all the demands arc carried out, which will bo in nine or 10 days. Tho Exchange Telegraph Company states that Greece has notified the Allies that she accepts tho terms of their ultimatum without reservo An Italian military mission has arrived to participate in tho joint Allied control. A commission of Allied and Greek officers has been formed to supervise the transference of troops to Peloponnesus. The Tribune's Rome correspondent states that it is.understood that King Constantino will bo deposed, an Italian prince, a relative of King Victor, succeeding him. M. Venizelos is' supporting tho change. The D'uko of Aosta, who is a cousin of the King of Italy, has been offered the post, but lias not yet accepted it. Ron. arkable messages from Rome announce the arrival of Marshal von .Falkenhayn. at Larissa, where he conferred with King Constantine. It is reported that Falkenhayn voyaged from Kavalla in a submarine. General Collaris, who commanded the First Army Corps during the events at Athens on December 1, has been placed on the retired list. The Daily Chronicle's Athens correspondent states that the newspapers discuss arid opposo the proposal for taking over the Greek mercantile marine above 4000 tons by Croat Britain, as this would involve twothirds of the Greek shipping. Discontent is expressed as to the amount of the indemnity in case of loss, owing to many of tho ships having been bought at enhanced prices. The Government has not yet received details of the British demand. Other correspondents state that the scheme enables the Greeks to retain, sufficient tonnage to meet the country's necessities. _ , . _ It is understood that Great Britain offers 30s per ton per month, calculating the tonnage on the basis of the weight of the loaded ship. The vessels will be taken over until six months after the war. It is indicated that if the owners are unwilling to accept the offer tho ships will be commandeered at less favourable rates. Mr Jeffries, writing from Athens, states that tho Allies' precautions render an attack upon General Sarrail impossible. Only 3000 troops will be permitted to remain in tho north, and all tho artillery and machine guns will be removed. If the Government shows equal goodwill in dissolving the reservist leagues, the Allies will slacken the blockade in a week, regarding tho crisis as over.