The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1935. EX-KING GEORGE RETURNS TO GREECE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 27 November 1935, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1935. EX-KING GEORGE RETURNS TO GREECE

THOUGH ex-King George of Greece lias had a triumphal, return to Athens to take once more the throne that was Jost by Jiim eleven years ago, the circumstances that have surrounded the steps whieh led up to the return of the mouarchial system do not augur well for lasting political reconciliation and stability. Nevertheless, the ex-monarch has sho'vra undoubted discretion in his handling of the situation, declining to associate himself with any attempt to re-establish his kingship by forcible means, or to owe his position as ruler to the suppressive strength of a particular party. The overwhelming verdict in favour of the monarchy at the i eeent plebiscite, undoubtedly was indicative of as warm a welcome as any ex-King could wish for. but the decision could hardly have gone otherwise. The monarchist Government at \thens took care to ensure a preponderating monarchist vote, by arresting and banishing most of the Republican leaders, passing legislation making criticism of the Royalist regime illegal, using the army and police to impress the populace, and generally taking steps to remove obstacles that..might hinder its design of re-establishing the monarchy. By the pressure which they were able to exert upon the Tsaldaris Government, the monarchists went far towards anticipating the effect , of the plebiscite, and Al. Tsaldaris. who in the proclamation whieh lie was constrained to issue in September, expressed the view that tiie natural Government for tiie country was a monarchy based on democratic institutions, was faced last month with a demand from the army leaders for an immediate restoration of the monarchy. His resignation followed, a procedure whieh almost amounted to a coup d’etat, and General Kondylis, the energetic Deputy-Prime (Minister and Minister of War, once a staunch Republican, formed a Cabinet bent on bringing about the end of the Republic in Greece. Tiie plebiscite ivhicli followed, assumed something in the nature of a superfluous formality. The task ahead of ex-Kiug George is indeed a difficult one, b,ut the fair-mindedness and tact which lie has displayed, fits him for it as none else could be fitted. Nevertheless, the record of unrest throughout the country is too considerable to be ignored, and the measures of suppression will have probably deepened the old Antagonisms. Ex-King George returns to no bed of roses, but his country has been passing through troublous times, and wise administration may consolidate his position.