CRETE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume XXIV, Issue 2140, 2 April 1897, Page 2

CRETE.

Seven hundred Cretan refugees aVieed a steamer loading at the Pirseas, end threw overboard the provisions intended for the Moslems in Crete, and th« British and Russian warships. The Kitualion is growing worn, the ectioa of the Powers baring increased the fanaticism of the combatants. The Christians are furious at the freqnemk bombardinga. Great Britain hat Made a proposal to the Powere that Turkej and Greece should be induced to fore a neutral zone, and that the troops be withdrawn from the Thesealian frontier. The Admiral in command of the British fleet has been instructed to acqaieioe in the action of the othT Powere in the event of the Cretan blockade, bit the British warships are to t«ke an active part in the blockade. The Greeks in Cyprus have boycotted German exports io revenge for the attitude of Ger any towards Crete. Greece ie apparently nnwilling to agree to the proposal for the mutual withdrawal of Tarkish and Greek troops from Crete. She requires to fee allowed to administer the affaire of tho island under European mandate. The Christians attacked the garriion at Malax*, bat sustained heavy losses. The foreign warships bombarded Malax*, and despite the shells thrown amongst them tbe Christians succeeded in blowing up a portion of the Turkish blockhouse, and the remainder of the fort was burned down. The Duke of Sparta, Crown Prince of Greece, has arrived at Lftrissa, where 30,000 Greek troops have assembled. Much enthusiaum prevail! amongst the Greeks. Strong corps have been posted at Tyroavos, near Larieaa, and at Trikkala and Arta, oc the Northwestern frontier. The Greek fleet is guarding Preveea and Volo. The Admira's »f the foreign fleets have applied Ito the Powers for reinforcement* at Crete. ' hsy report that Colonel Vaeeos has declared open' war against the Powere, nnd it will be necessary to treat the insurgents as enemies if they persist in their attacks on Canea. The Cretan Central Committee has appealed to ihe rulers of Europe not to starve three hundred thousand Christians into accepting the scheme if autonomy. In the House of Commons Mr Curzon 6aid it was not true that Great Britain was siding with Turkey Lord Salisbury had eecnr#d autonomy for tbe Cretans. Edhein Pasha commands the Turkish forces on the Greek frontier. They number 150 000, inclading 8000 cavalry and a large body of artillery with 200 Krupp suns. ihe discipline and health of the i troops are excellent. There are 50,000 Turkish troops at Elassona near the Grecian frontier. Strong columns have been posted at Gravena and Caterin«, and a column also Ht Jsninu in Albania. The Turkish position is superior to that of the Greeks.