New-York tribune., 1917-06-13
Constantine and Crown
Prince Will Leave
Country
Military Forces
Landed at Athens
French Senator Pre-
sented the Ultimatum,
Backed by Troops


stantne I, King Of the Hellenes. has
come. In response to the demand OF
the protecting powers-France, Great
Britain and Russia-he abdicated to-
day in favor of his second son, Prince
Alexander.
This climax in the affairs Of Greece
was brought about through the agency
of the French Senator, NJ. Jonnart. who
has held posts in several French cab
inets and who arrived at Athens only
day or two ago on a special mission
as the representative OF France, Great
Britain and Russia. NJ. Jonnart had
previously visited Salonica and other
points, and he lost no time in getting
into conference with the Greek Prem
Ter. Alexander Zaimis.
The demands of the powers respect
ing the abdication of King Constantine
also specifically eliminated Crown
Prince George as his successor, the
Crown Prince being included among
those Greeks in official life who were
considered strongly pro-German.
Will Leave the Country
Both the former King and Prince
George, it was announced to-day by
Premier Zamis, intend to leave the
country Immediately. II is reported
that they will embark on a British
warship and proceed to Switzerland by
way Of Italy.
II is presumed that Prince Alexander
will take up his kingly duties with full
acceptation of the ideas which the
protecting powers desire to be put into
effect in the government Of Greece dur
ing the present war. He is twenty
four years old and has been free from
anti Entente proclivities.
Affairs in Greece, which several
times since the outbreak of the war
had seemed on the verge of settle
meEt, recently have taken on such an
asrect of uncertainty that it became
necessary for the powers to act with
decision.
NJ. Jonnart was selected 70 proceed
TO Athens for the purpose Of laying
before the Premier the aims which
France. Great Britain and Russia he'd
with respect to establishing unity Of
feeling among the Greeks and greater
security for the Entente forces engaged
in operations in the East.
Had Troops Ready
While he informed the Premier that
troops had been placed at his disposal,
he appealed to that official TO use his
influence toward peaceful settlement.
The troops, according 70 VI. Jonnart's
instructions, were not 70 land until the
King had given his answer.
VI. Jonnart called upon Premier
Zaimis on Monday morning and de-
manded in the name of the protecting
powers the abdication Of King Con-
stantne and the nomination Of his
successor 70 the exclusion Of the
Crown Prince.
N. Zaimis recognized the disinterest-
edness Of the powers, whose sole OBJ
iect was TO reconstitute the unity Of
Greece under the constitution, but he
pointed out to NJ. Jonnart that deci-
sion could only be taken by the King
after a meeting of the Crown Council,
composed of former premiers. Tho
military forces we're landed on Mon
day without incident.
The Kings Answer
II was not until 9:30 o'clock this
morning that the Premier communi-
Gated to the commissioner of the
Allied powers the Kings answer in
the following letter:
The Minister and High Commissioner
of France, Great Britain and Rus
sia:
Having demanded by your note
Of yesterday the addiction OF his
majesty, King Constantine and the
nomination Of his successor, the
Minister, has the honor 20 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) ZAlMlS.
Prior 10 the announcement OF the
Kings decision many Greeks, loyal TO
the crown, gathered for the protection
OF the sovereign. On Monday night
. 600 reservists formed a Gordon around
the Palace in his defence, IL that should
be necessary, and a delegation headed
by Naval Commander Mavromichaelis.
was received by Constantine and
pledged the devotion of the army and
the people TO his cause. The Kings
only reply was an appeal that they
should remain calm.
All efforts OF agitators 10 start
failed, and the army ON
GERS announced their intention 10 OBEY
the order OF the government TO take no
part in any demonstrations and TO
maintain peace.
Agitstors were still attempting TO
operate in the streets OF Athens 10