THE POSITION IN CRETE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 466, 12 August 1909, Page 2

THE POSITION IN CRETE.

The hoisting of the Greek flag in Crete after the departure of the suzerain Powers has aroused intense feeling in Turkey. The Chauvinistic spirit in the army threatens complications. The four Powers in Crete (Great Britain, France, Italy, and Russia) carried out their undertaking to remove their troops from Crete before the end of July, and the flags of the protecting Powers and of Crete were hauled down at Canea a fortnight ago. The island of Crete bad been under the care of the four Powers since 1897, when a Greek force, under Colonel Vassos, landed. The Greeks were ordered back autonomy was proclaimed, an Assembly organised, and Prince George of Greece was appointed High Commissioner, the island remaining under the nominal suzerainty of. the Sultan, Under the Constitution of 1899, the Porte renounced its rights in consideration of the payment of a million and a half francs, and the salt monopoly for 20 years. In July, 1906, the Powers resolved to reorganise the gendarmerie and create a militia to replace the international troops, also to settle questions with Turkey, and to enforce equal rights for Moslems and Christians. Prince George resigned and his place was taken by M. Zamis. The Cretan militia are in charge now that the international troops have retired, but the Pan-Hellenes are reviving the agitation for union with Greece, and have gone so far as to hoist the flag of that country in the Cretan capital. The Turkish Government had indicated that Greek occupation will not be tolerated. The material for a war, therefore, exists in Crete, and the possibility of trouble is greatly increased by the withdrawal of the Powers.