Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-11-15
Former Premier
Discusses Internal
Affairs of Greece

LONDON, NOV. 2-EllptneflOS Nenl-
zelos, ex-Premier of Greece, and head
of the Greek delegation which will at
tend the Near East Peace Conference
at Lausanne beginning November IS
discussed today the internal affairs Of
Greece in the first lengthy interview
he has given for several months, and
also CanvaSsed various phases of
the Near East situation as it appears
to Greek eyes.
1.-THE rule of King Constantine" he
said, ''shook the Greek monarchy to
the roots, but if a 40 per cent minor
ity. we will say wish to con-
tinue the royal institution, I imagine
that majority of the Greeks would
consent to carry on the present sys-
tenn provided the kings power be null
lifted"
The aged statesman apparently has
recovered from the severe moral shock
he suffered recently because of the
Greek defeat in Asia Minor lie
seems to be in better health, and
speaks vigorously. At the present
time he is totally absorbed in MAX
ference. and also in caring for mil
lion and half Greek refugees.
II am absolutely divorced forever
from Greek internal politics. he con-
tinued, land il elected to parliament,
| will resign Immediately. If the
Greek people want q republic, they
probably will show it in the coming
elections, for the majority will in
dictate its will. If the monarchy is of
no further use to them, they will be
able to signify that fact: and if there
is strong minority desiring to con-
tinue the present regime, no doubt
the majority will consent, with the
proviso that / have mentioned. AS a
matter of fact, there is little diff
erence between a democratic mon
archy, where the king is rendered
powerless by the constitution, and a
republic. I fancy England is just as
democratic politically, though pos
sibly not socially, as the United
States"
Asked if he had any comments to
make on the passing of Lloyd George,
or the British Near East policy in its
W..
Venizelos declined to answer. nor
would lie comment on the action of
Italy in retaking the ten Dodocanese
islands, which she once promised to
Greece.
The former Premier announced
that at the approaching peace confer
cnce he would undertake to support
an exchange of the Turk population
in Greece for that of the Greek Nat
ionals in Turkey. This, ne said, was
a matter of humanity. in which he
hoped the League of Nations and the
United States would interest them
selves.
Without going into the political
phases of the matter, l think Greece
should not be judged too severely for
her campaign in Asia Minor, as it
was for the purpose of rescuing Greek
populations that we first went irto
eastern Thrace and Asia Minor. It
was for this reason that I. as Premier.
went there with our armies, therefore,
whatever may be said regarding these
campaigns, the unhappy population
are not at fault because of govern
mental action"
To inquiries regarding the future
OF Greece, and also the prospects of
her securing loan abroad, Veni-
Zelos replied:
In several years Greece, with her
thrifty commercial population, will
get on stable basis IL we are able
to settle the question of refugees and
OF the minority. At present the ref |
hgees are pouring into Greece a mil |
lion and half strong. They are
without homes. hence they present a |
serious menace to internal order, and |
there may be huge social catas-
trophe with q spectre OF Bolshevism |
stalking through our lands.
AS to loan. we would not need !
one il we could collect our debts from !
the United States and other allied |
countries. 1t isn't generally known,
but the United States never paid !
the $34,o00,o00 which it agreed |
to pay in 1917. when with England
and France. it guaranteed Greece