The Waikato Times With which is ncorporated The Walkato Argus. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. POSITION IN GREECE

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13268, 25 August 1916, Page 4

The Waikato Times With which is ncorporated The Walkato Argus. FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1916. POSITION IN GREECE

Once more tlif- centre of interest in the progress of the war has been temporarily shifted to the Balkans, where tin.- plight of Greece is becoming more pitiable. The country is being ruthlessly sacrificed by those whose duty it is lo preserve it. The King and his supporters are apparently prepared to go In any length in their efforts to assist the German cause. The people, on the other hand, support the Allies and threaten lo act independently of the Government; indeed a portion of the army has already taken the matter in hand and is opposing the Bulgarian advance despite direct and explicit instructions to the contrary from Athens. Kavala, however, has been evacuate.!, the fortifications being left intact, not even the ammunition being removed. This shows that tin 1 Greek Government is playing into the hands of the enemy: while the abandonment of the general elections, which the Allies recently insisted should lake place in Sepjeii.!:■■!'. provides another straw indicating Mi.' direction of events. TieAllies alsn ordered the demobilisation of the army, which has been carried mil, and i! is safe to say that they will not, in der the circumstances, permit of it being a«ain called up. The Greek people are now openly showing their nee. and apparently the tension belwei n Government and people js approaching breaking point. The Allies may be relied upon lo lake prompt and effective steps to deal with the situation. Warnings and threats are of little use in dealing with a stubborn and stiffnecked monarch, who deliberately refuses to see that he is leading his country to national suicide. The Allied

are is sufficiently strong to checkmate any move which the enemy may initiate, and it must be patent to the leaders that to save Greece it is necessary to remove those set in authority. The time U>r dallying is now past, and sensational events may be expected in the innnediale future. The instability of Greece lias been the cause of much of tile trouble in the Near East. Had she faithfully fulfilled her solemn obligations Servia would have been saved, tin* entry of Bulgaria averted, and the operations against the Dardanelles made a success instead of a failure. The Allies have recognised that in M. Vene/.elos liny had a staunch friend and that the confidence of the great bulk of tin' people is placed in that statesman: (hey have, therefore, hesitated to take strong measures in the hope that in the face of stern facts even fools would learn wisdom. That hope has not been realised, and King Constantino will in all probability he another exemplification of the old axiom. "Whom the gods wish to destroy Ihey lirst make mad."