Crete.

Manawatu Herald, 4 March 1897, Page 2

Crete.

It is alleged that Russia has sent a minatory despatch to King George, but the terms reported to be contained in the despatch are so strong that the report requires confirmation before it can bo accepted. The Governor of Candia, one of the large towns in the north of Crete, with an armed force of Moslems, fought a force of Christiana. Several men were killed en both sides. The Admiral in command of the combined fleets has warned the Governor not to repeat his action. Colonel Vassos, commander of the Greek expedition, is using influence to induoe the insurgents at Selino to release the Moslems captured by them. Thu Powers have allowed Greece four days within which to yield to their ultimatum, by withdrawing her forces from Crete. King George will probably withdraw his fleet from Crete, and it is expeoted that he will direct Colonel Vußsoß, commander of the force now on the island, to retire into the interior and maintain guerilla warfare, the King being confident that the Powers will not suppress this. Ihe Admiral of the foreign fleets prevented a Turkish frigate from assisting to repel an attaok on a convoy whioh was trying to revictuai at Malaxa. Thirty thousand Moslems at Heraklion are in danger of starving. They are entreating the Powers to hasten the settlement of the difficulty. The Turkish troops on the Greek frontier comprise 192 battalions. The Sultan gave 12,000,000 irancs (£480,000) towards the equipment of the force. Continuous fighting is taking place near Retimo. A quantity of supplies and stores for those engaged in Red Cross work has been landed at Oanea, but the landing of general provisions has been forbidden. The Cretans capturing Fort Sta varos with three thousand prisoners imperils the safety of Candanos. M. Delyannis, the Greeft Premier, stated in the Chamber that combined fleets were bombarding Crete and that a savage, impious and unjust Note had been issued by the Powers, acquainting Greece that autonomy had been conceded to Crete. This grants equal rights to Moslems and Christians, and requires the recall oi the fleet and troops.