18 OCTOBER 1935, Page 2

The Greek Monarchy It is no longer profitable to consider

whether the people of Greece would have voted for the restoration of the monarchy if the decision had been delayed, as the late Premier, M. Tsaldaris, wished, till a plebiscite could be held in a calmer moment. The matter has been taken out of the hands of the people by politically- minded officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force who compelled the Premier to resign in favour of General Kondylis and the Assembly to vote the restoration of the monarchy. A plebiscite is to be held without delay to confirm the decision of the Assembly ; but now it will be, little more than a farce. Thus a coup d'etat has pro- duced the latest phase in the prolonged dispute between the rival factions. From the point of view of King George of Greece himself this method of deciding the issue can scarcely be regarded as the happiest. A settlement based on the wishes of the people affirmed with deliberation, as M. Tsaldaris wished, might have been conclusive. The danger of the method adopted is that what can be set up by force may be removed by force. How much more satisfactory for the King if he could have been -enthroned by the popular will, and not by a group of officers.

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