THE DETHRONED KING

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13511, 18 June 1917, Page 5

THE DETHRONED KING

CONSTANTINE'S FUTURE. TO FIGHT THE ALLIES. THE ALLIES' ALMS DEFINED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received June 18, 9.30 a.m. BERNE, June 17. It is rumoured in German official circles that Constantine will proceed to Germany via Switzerland, for the purpose of leading an expedition against the Allies via Bulgaria. ATHENS, June 17. M. Jounart, in a proclamation to the Greeks, states:— "France, Britain and Russia, desiring the independence and prosperity of Greece, intend to defend the brave little land which they have liberated against the united efforts of the Turks, Bulgarians and Germans. They will put an end to the checkmate manoeuvres of her hereditary enemies by preventing the violations of her constitution and such intrigues as led to the massacre of the Allies' soldiers last December. The protecting Powers will assure the constitutional progress of the country to which the late King George was scrupulously faithful, but which Constantine ceased to respect. The Allies appeal to your good sense of patriotism, they will pitilessly repress any reprisals against the Greeks of any party, will not tolerate any breach of the peace, will safeguard lives and property, and will not force on the Greeks a general mobilisation." CONSTANTINE'S FAREWELL. DRAMATIC SCENES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received June 18, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, June 17. Correspondents' messages from Athens, which were previously censored, disclose a dramatic scene at the ; Palace when the Entente's ultimatum arrived. The Crown Prince said little, Constantine with tears in his eyes addressing Prince Alexander, who also wept, said: "The Allied Powers have permitted me to choose my successor between you and your brothers. You will succeed me." Constantine's friends, hearing the news, frantically drove to the Palace in motors. They passed the distraught sentries, and the courtyard was quickly filled with agitated men and sobbing women, crying repeatedly, "The King abdicates." The church bells commenced to toll and the demonstrators shoutedj "don't go," demanding to see Constantine. Prince Nicholas received the deputation and explained the developments. He said: "The King embraces you and bids, you accept the bitter cup without resentment." ,' Crowds, hailed the departing monarch: "We don't want you to go; we want our King." .#. sent a message to, 0# TflMver.' Greece has entered on a new era, and will'march Resolutely In the path of honour, duty and own national traditions." PRO-GERMAN INTRIGUES. FALL ON DEAF EARS. (The Times.) Received June 18, 9.45 a.m. LONDON, June 17. Mr Jeffries' the Times', correspond* ent, states that during the closing hours of Constantine's regmie'M. Jounart encountered all sort sof pro-German manoeuvres. Shoals of telegrams were despatched, declaring that any attempt to remove Constantine would precipitate civil war and deluge Greece in blood. M. Jounart remained unmoved. Then the Royal clique attempted to secure a compromise by offering to hand over Gouarnaris, Dousmanis and Metanas instead of Constantine. M. Jounart had a long interview with M. Zaimis, and said the Allies' demand was irrevocable. M. Zaimis departed to the Palace and told the King his fate. The King subsequently held a Crown Council, consisting of nine ex-Prime Ministers, to whom he read aloud the fateful words demanding his abdication. Gournaris exclaimed "It is impossible," but Constantine stopped him, saying, "I have decided to accept." The Crown Councillors then left the Palace in an agitated state. Skouloudis collapsed outside and was carried to a motorcar. ' Subsequently Constantine lunched with the Royal Family, and afterwards announced that he had abdicated and that the Crown Prince had been forced to renounce his right. The Queen burst into tears and fell on a couch speechless. The Princesses were also overcome. The German press states, on the authority of the Greek Legation at Berne, that Constantine does not intend to renounce the Throne, and his abdication is merely temporary until circumstances permit of his resumption. (Reuter's Telegrams.) ATHENS, June 17. Constantine has finally left Greek territory. The Military Club has been closed, and a proclamation issued that persons tampering with military telegraph or telephone wires wil be shot. Further troops have been landed at the Piraeus. The navigation of Greek waters and traffic on the railways are resuming, normal conditions being reestablished.