Papers written by Curzon on the Near and Middle East [‎60r] (119/348)

^OTII CTTIAL .
. 226.
THE V O SIT ION^
f yote “by Lord c^rzonQ
The decision as to the policy to be adopted in the event
cf the ex-King Constantine being recalled by^the Creek people
to the throne of Greece, depends to some extent on our estimate
of the chances of his desistence, should the Powers dis-
couragg cr oppose the act. M* Vcnizelos thinks that in such
a case he would not dare to act in opposition to the Allies#
'Me
and would abandon/ candidature for the throne. But M- Venezelos
is influenced in this opinion by his desire to get prince
George as King; and the view taken by the French Ministers
yesterday afternoon was that, whatever the powers might decide
to do, the Greek plebiscite would end in an invitation to
Constantine, and that he could accept it. It is upon this
hypothesis that this paper is written.
M* LoySties suggested five possible methods cf dealing
with the situation thus created.
(1) That the Great powers (we cannot speak for the moment of
Italy) or alternatively the Guaranteeing powers, should decline
to recognise him as King. This is not likely of itself to
be a very effective weapon, for a country can get on very
well for sometime without recognition; and the ban xs one
which, in practice cannot be indefinitely maintained.
(2) That the Powers should break off diplomatic relations
with Greece or replace their Ministers by Charges d’Af-aires.
This again is not a very effective form cf punishment, for
Greece *might say that she could get on perfectly with a
representative of inferior diplomatic rank, and meanwhile a
German Minister would appear upon the scene, and might very
likely become master of the situation.
(3) That all financial cupport should be withdrawn from or
refused to G.'cfcc.