Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1917-06-14

Athens, June u, via Paris.-The fall of
Constantine l, 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 cabinets and who
arrived at Athens only a day or two ago
on a special mission as the representative
Of France, Great Britain and Russia. NJ.
Jonnart had previously visited Saloniki
ana otner points, and he lost no time in
getting into conference with the Greek
premier, Alexander Zanis. The demands
Of the powers respecting the abdcation
of King Constantine also specifically elimi-
mated Crown Prince George as his sue
cessor, the crown prince being included
among those Greeks in official life who
were considered strongly pro-German.
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 a British
warship and proceed to Switzerland by
way of Italy. 1t is presumed that
Prince Alexander will take up his
kingly duties with full acceptation of
the idea which the protecting powers
desire to put into effect in the
government of Greece during the
present war. He is twenty-four years
of age 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
ment. recently have taken on such an
| af ;t
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 Britain and Rus
STA had with respect of establishing
unity of feeling among the Greeks and
greater security for the entente forces
engaged in operations in the east
While he informed the premier that
troops had been placed at his disposal
he appealed to that official to use his
influence toward a peaceful settlement
The troops, according to NJ Jonnart's
instructions. were not to land until the
King had given his answer.
NJ. Jonnart called upon Premier Zaimis
on Monday morning and demanded in the
name of the protecting powers the
abdication of King Constantine and the
nomination of his successor to the ex
clusion of the DIALOGUE Grown prince.
NJ. Zaimis recognized the disinterested
ness of the powers, whose sole objec
was to reconstitute the unity of Greece
under the constitution but he pointed
out to NJ. Jonnart that a decision coulc
only be taken by the King after a meet
ing of the crown council composed o.
former premiers.
It was not until $50 O'Clock this morn
ing that the premier communicated t.
the commissioner of the allied powers
, the Kings answer in the following let
. ter:
THE minister and high commissions
of France. Great Britain and Russia
Having demanded by your note of yes
terday the abdication of His Majesty
, King Constantine, and the nomina tioi
of his successor. the undersigned
premier and foreigner, has the honor T.
inform Your Excellency that Hi
| Majesty the King, ever solicitous for tn
! interests of Greece, has decided to leav
the country with the Prince Royal, an,
dominates Prince Alexander as his sue
5 cessor.
: (Signed)
I "ZAIMIS"
4 Prior to the announcement of the King
D decision many Greeks loyal to the crow
gathered Tor the protection OF the soVer
= eign. On Monday night 1000 reservist
'. formed a Gordon around the palace in hi
5 defense, if that should be necessary, an
: a delegation headed by Naval Commando
= Mavromchelis was received by Constar
i tine and pledged the devotion of the arm
e and the people to his cause. The King
: only reply was an appeal that they shout
remain calm.
All efforts of agitators to start a man
festation failed, and the army officers ar
), nounced their intention to obey the orde
, of the government to take no part in tn