Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-06-13

Athens, June 13.-The fall of Con-
stantine I, King of the Hellenes, has
come. In response to the demand
of the protecting Powers, France.
Great Britain and Russia, he abdi-
Gated yesterday in favor of his sec
ond son, Prince Alexander,
The climax in the affairs of Greece
was brought about through the agen-
cy of the French Senator, NJ. JON
mart, who has held posts in several
French Cabinets, and who arrived at
Athens only a day or two ago on
a special mission as the representa-
tive of France, Great Britain and
Russia. NJ. Jonnart had previously
visited Saloniki and other points, and
he lost no time in getting into con-
ference with the Greek Premier. AL
exander Zaimis. The demands of
the Powers respecting the abdication
of King Constantine also specifically
eliminated Crown Prince George as
his successor, the Crown Prince be-
ing included among those Greeks in
official life who were considered
strongly pro-German.
To Leave Country
Both the former King and Prince
George, it was announced to-day by
Premier Zaimis, intend to leave the
country Immediately. 1t is reported
that they will embark on British
warship and proceed to Switzerland
by way of Italy.
1t is presumed that Prince Alex
ander will take up his kingly duties
with frfll nf tho
which the protecting Powers desire
to be put into effect in the govern
ment of Greece during the present
war. He is "a years of age, and
has been free from antientente pro-
clivities.
Affairs in Greece, which several
times since the outbreak of the war
had seemed on the verge of a set
tlement, recently have taken on such
an aspect of uncertainty that it be-
came necessary for the Powers to
act with decision. NJ. Jonnart was
selected to proceed to Athens for the
purpose of laying before the Premier
the aims which France, Great Brit
ain and Russia had with respect to
establishing unity of feeling among
the Greeks and greater security for
the entente forces engaged in opera
tions in the East. While he informed
the Z TeHlleT lldI lIOOpS ndu DeeH
placed at his disposal, he appealed to
that official to use his influence to-
ward a peaceful settlement. The
troops, according to NJ. Jonnart's in
structions, were not to land until the
King had given his answer.
Nominates Second Son
NJ. Jonnart called upon Premier
Zaimis Monday morning. and de-
manded in the name of the protect
ing Powers the abdication of King
Constantine and the nomination of
his successor to the exclusion of the
DIALOGUE (Crown Prince).
NJ. Zaimis declared he recognized
the disinterestedness of the Powers
whose sole object was to reconstitute
the unity of Greece under the Con-
stitution, but he pointed out to NJ
Jonnart that a decision could only
be taken by the King after a meet
ing of the Crown Council, composed
of former Premiers.
1t was not until $50 o'clock yes
terday morning that the Premier
communicated to the commissioner
of the allied Powers the Kings au-
swer in the following letter:
THE Minister and High Commits
sioner of France, Great Britain and
Russia: Having demanded by your
note of yesterday the abdication of
his Majesty. King Constantine, and
the nomination of his successor, the
undersigned, Premier and Foreign
Minister, has the honor to inform
your excellency that his Majesty. the
King, ever solicitous for the interests
of Greece, has decided to leave the
country with the Prince Royal, and
nominates Prince Alexander as his
successor.
(Signed) ''Zaimis."