SITUATION IN CRETE.

Waikato Argus, Volume II, Issue 96, 18 February 1897, Page 2

SITUATION IN CRETE.

Athens, February 15. TIIK Government have committed themselves to a vigorous and warlike policv in relation to the Cretan question, and are pushing on their naval and military preparations with great activity. There is intense excitement throughout the country, and the wildest enthusiasm prevails. Yesterday a Greek flotilla left here for Crete, consisting of three transports, having on board a force of 1500 infantry, together with sappers and artillery, under the command of Colonel Vassos, It is understood that his instructions are to land at Canea.

It is stated that Colonel Vassos 1 instructions received from the King are practically to occupy the island of Crete and restore order there, but this course will depend upon the acquiescence of the Powers

The excitement was raised to fever heat to-day on the receipt of news from Catldia, the capital of Crete, that a Greek cruiser had fired upon a Turkish vessel. From the particulars to hand it appears that as the Fund, a small paddle despatch vessel belonging to Turkey, was leaving the port of Candia, the Nauarchos Miaulis signalled to her to return. The capiain, however, refused to obey, whtreupou the cruiser fired two shots ut her and the Fuad then put back. The incident was promptly followed up by a peremptory messatc from the commander of the British squadron to the captain of the Nauarchos Miaulis that he would use force if the latter attempted to repeat his act. This message was afterwards supplemented by another to Prince George, who is in command of the flotilla of Greek torpedo boat 3, that he would not permit him to execute the instructions of the King of Greece to land troops or to interfere with Turkish transports, and that the commanders of the war vessels belonging to the other great Powers would not allow Turkish vessels to be attacked by the Greeks. It is stated that the Greek cruisers threatened to bombard Heraklion if the Christians were outraged by the Mussulmeu. The Greek Cousuls at that p'ace, and also at Halepa, ha'-e taken refuge on board their warships. The Governor of Crete, Georgi Pasha Beroritch, has resigned. He went on boaid a Russian warship for safety, but afterwards sailed for Trieste. February 16. News has been received from Crete that, acting upon instructions from their Governments, the commanders of the British, Russian, French, Italian, and Austrian warships landed a joint force of 450 marines and occupied Canea. The Governor of the city accorded them a hearty welcome, and expressed the hope that the Powers would land similar detachments at and occupy the other chief ports of the island. LONDON) February 15. It is announced in the Times that the Commanders ot the British, Russian, and French warships in Cretan waters have received identical instructions from then- respective Governments to occupy Canea, Retimo, and Heraklion, and also to prevent the Greeks and Turks lauding troops, and from using their naval forces. This decision is believed to be the outcome of a conference of the Foreign Ambassadors in Constantinople, at which a mixed occupation of Crete was agreed upon. It is understood that this is a prelude to the island being eventually nanded over to Greece. Mr Gladstone, referring to the crisis, stated that he would be profoundly rejoiced if Greece succeeded in freeing Ciete, and that he hoped the Powers would recollect it was necessary for them to redeem their own characters. The Paris Temps, in commenting upon the accord of the Powers in dealing with the Cretan crisis, refers to "the perfectly correct attitude" assumed by Great Britain in the difficulty, and adds that the only question now is the realisation of the demands of the Christian Cretian by pacific means. Thirty thousand Russian troops are massed at Odessa. February 16. Lord Salisbury, in the course of a speech on the Cretan question, declares that the Powers had protested against the utter unwisdom of the attitude taken by Greece, and that they did not intend to sanction her action. The concert between the Powers he said was complete. Constantinople, February 16.

The Porte has intimated to the Greek Government, through its Ambassador here, that unless the flotilla at present in Cretan waters is withdrawn, diplomatic relations between Turkey and Greece will be discontinued.