868.001 C 76/69: Telegram

The Chargé in Greece (Caffery) to the Secretary of State

[Paraphrase]

129. This morning King Constantine abdicated. Proclamation in his name begs all parties to avoid civil strife and to unite in support of his successor. This afternoon the Crown Prince took oath as George II to maintain the constitution. Revolutionary troops now entering Athens, which is comparatively [quiet]. Machinery of government is considerably disorganized, as revolutionary chiefs have not yet arrived and new Cabinet not formed. There is confusion in statements and programs of leaders. But most of them anticipate that, as Constantine has been sacrificed to conciliate Allied Powers, there will now be a revision of the proposed terms of peace with Turkey. Nevertheless they declare intention in any case to refuse terms and continue the war.

Caffery