The landing of British and French troops at Salonika began
on Tuesday week. Four days previously British and French officers visited Salonika and obtained from the Greek officer in command information with a view to the landing. K Venezelos, who was then Prime Minister, immediately lodged a protest. This protest was, of course, a mere technical procedure to defend Greek sovereignty, and was framed in consultation with the Ministers of the Quadruple Entente. There was no idea in Greece—much less on the part of K Venezelos himself—of resisting the landing or of doing otherwise than facilitating it. The declaration of " benevolent neutrality" by the new Greek Government under M. Zaimis implies the recognition that in defending the cause of Serbia the Allies are defending the cause of Greece. The troopships which entered Salonika Harbour were protected by British and French destroyers and cruisers. All merchandise was removed from the quays to make room for the troops, and the inner harbour was cleared of merchant shipping. Greek gendarmes kept order among the curious spectators. The troops elaborately sainted the Greek authorities and the city.
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