THE CRETAN BLOCKADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 73, 30 March 1897, Page 5

THE CRETAN BLOCKADE.

FIGHTING in the INTERIOR

The Situation Growing -:*:, Worse. -^*~«<

Athens, March 27. Th.c Moslems and Christians are still righting in the interior of Crete.

The Admirals will re-occupy Malaxa, that place being the key to Suda Bay. The fleet fired on the insurgents, and prevented the erection of earthworks. Athens, March 28. A difficulty is being experienced in providing food for the Moslem refugees at Selimo. The public crier near Heraklion is exhorting ihe faithful to fight the Christians. The Cretan insurgents fired upon the British Admiral's launch in Suda Bay. The Crown Prince of Greece has started for the Turkish frontier to take command of the Greek troops. Athens, March 29. The British warship Dryad sank two caiques (light skiffs) and captured two others for landing contraband goods at Crete. Seven hundred Cretan refugees seized a steamer loading at Piraeus, and threw overboard the provisions intended for the Moslems in Crete and for the British and Russian warships.

The situation is growing worse, the action of the Powers having increased the fanaticism of the combatants.

The Christians are furious at the frequent bombardings. London, March 27. The Powers regard the proposed neutral zone on the Thessalonian frontier favourably. In the House of Commons, Mr Balfour challenged Mr Morley's assertion that the country condemned the Government, and demanded a test vote instead of persistent haggling criticism offragments of policy. Constantinople, March 27. The Embassies here recommend the Powers to immediately determine the details of Cretan autonomy, as delay endangers the situation. The admirals recommend the withdrawal of the Turkish troops and the appointment of a European Governor.

The Turks have laid torpedoes in Salonica harbour. __ ... ...