30 JUNE 1917, Page 1

The news from Greece is important, and on the whole

highly encouraging. M. Venizelos has returned to Athens and has been entrusted by King Alexander with the formation of a Ministry, M. Zaimis having resigned. M. Vcnizelos was greeted with great enthusiasm by his supporters on his arrival at the Piraeus in a ' destroyer, and though it was found necessaiy to land Allied troops to maintain order, no serious disturbance has taken place in Athens. As for the situation in the provinces, Thessaly and Epirus have given in their adhesion to the Provisional Government, and though the Reservists are giving trouble in the Peloponnese, it is believed that the threat of a blockade will prevent the spread of sedition. From the demand made by M. Jonnart for the summoning of the Chamber of 1915, it is clear that M. Venizelos's task will be to take up the thread of Constitutional government snapped by the illegal and autocratic action of King Constantine. He makes no secret ' of his desire to see his countrymen take their stand on the side of the Allies, but disclaims any intention to mobilize them against their will. Thursday's papers announced that M. Venizelos and his Ministers had taken the oath at the Palace, and on their return were acclaimed by the crowd who paraded the streets cheering for

M. Venizelos. It is stated, though not officially confirmed, that Venizelos will hold the office of Minister of War as well as the Premiership, M. Politis, M. Resaoulis, and Admiral Condouriotia filling the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Intetior, and Marine respectively.