INDISCREET MINISTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 128, 6 July 1914, Page 7

INDISCREET MINISTER.

CALLED ON TO RESIGN.

I COMMENTS ON ALBANIA. By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright. (Received July 6, 9.30 a.m.) ATHENS, July 5. It is understood that Mr Williams, the United States Minister, fti the consequence of his comments recently cabled, resigned at President Wilson V request. A SIGNIFICANT SILENCE. RESPONSIBILITY DISCLAIMED. WASHINGTON, July 4. Responsibility for * the statements published criticising the conditions of Albania, attributed to Mr Williams, United States Minister to Greece, lias been disclaimed by the State Department. A formal statement has been issued by Mr Bryan that the Minister's report has not reached Washington. Heretofore officials and the Government have been silent concerning Press despatches attributed to Mr Williams.

[The Durazzo incidents were described by Mr Williams, the United States Minister to Greece, as an epochal scandal Of anarchy, incompetence, and hypocrisy. The six Powers declared, was unworkable, owiiig to the antagonistic rivalries. Mr Williams urged the formation of neutral States with local government, and added, "I found a prince calling himself a king, with no powers, no territory, and no subjects.'']