The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-06-16

lenese has come. In response to the
demand Of the protecting powers,
France, Great Britain and Russia, he
abdicated today 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. 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 representative
of France, Great Britain and Russia.
M. Jonnart had previously visited Sa-
loniki and other points, and he lost
no time in getting into conference
with, the Greek premier, Alexander
Zaimis. The demands of the powers
respecting the abdicatiOn of King
Constantine also specifically eliminat-
ed Crown Prince George as his sue
cessor, the crown prince being includ-
ed among those Greeks in official life
who were considered strongly pro-
German.
Both the former king and Prince
George, it was announced today by
Premier Zaimis, intended to leave the
country Immediately. 1t is reported
that they will embark on a British
warship and proceed to Switzerland
by way Of Italy. It is presumed
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 gov
ernment of Greece during the pres
ent war He is "a years of age and
has been free from anti-entente pro-
clivities.
Affairs in Greece. which several
times since the outbreak Of the war
had seemed on the verge of a settle
ment. recently have taken on such
an aspect Of uncertainty that it be-
came necessary for the powers to act
with decision. M. Jonnart was Sc
! lected to proceed to Athens for the
purpose of laying before the premier
the aims which France, Great Britain
and Russia had with respect to es-
tablishing 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, ac-
cording to M. Jonnart's Instructions
were not to land until the king had
given his answer.
M. Jonnart called upon Premier
Zaimis Monday morning and demand
ed in the name of the protecting pow
ers the abdication of King Constantine
and the nomination of his successor
to the exclusion of the dialogue
(crown prince).
M. Zaimis recognized the dslnter
estedness Of the powers, whose sole
object was to reconstitute the unity
Of Greece under the constitution, but
he pointed out to NJ. Jonnart that a
decision could not be taken by the
king until after meeting Of the
crown council, composed of former
premiers.
1t was not until $40 o'clock this
morning that the premier communi
Gated to the commissioner of the al
lied powers the kings answer in the
following letter:
"The minister and high commission
er Of France, Great Britain and Rus
sia: Having demanded by your note
of yesterday the abdication of his maj
cSty. King Constantine, ar tn nomi |
nation Of his successor the under
signed premier and foreign minister,
has the honor to inform your excel |
lency that his majesty, the king ever
3olicitious for the interests of Greece,
has decided to leave the country with /
the prince royal. and nominated /
Prince Alexander as his successor.
(Signed) "Zaimis."
Prior to the announcement of the |
kings decision many Greeks loyal TO ,
the crown gathered for the protection
of the sovereign On Monday night .
1000 reservists formed Gordon
around the palace in his defense if
that should be necessary, a delegation
headed by Naval Commander Nav
romichaelis was received by Constan-
tine 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.
f.nA