THE SITUATION EXTREMELY GRAVE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 75, 1 April 1897, Page 5

THE SITUATION EXTREMELY GRAVE.

PROSPECTS OF A EUROPEAN WAR.

In bhe presenb crisis bhe following extracts from London papers received by cablegram and published in San Francisco will be read wifcb interest •.—

London, March 3. * A dispatch from Abhens says bhab bhe representatives of the Powers there who lasb evening presented a note to the Greek Govemmeno demanding the ovacuabionof Crete by Greece now admit thab bheir insbructions from thoir respective Governments were to warn Greece in the most serious terms thab tha Powers had irrevocably determined to Vesorb bo the most forcible measures of compulsion unloss bhe Greek fleeb and troops were withdrawn in six days. The " Daily Chronicle " will to-morrow publish a dispatch from Athens, saying thab bhe contents of the joint note addressed by the Powers to Greece have caused a solemn realisation of the critical moment which has arrived. Tho palaco square, the dispatch says, ia consbanbly crowded with groups, diacußaing the situation. The people are absolutely unanimoua, and everybody seems to have perfect confidence in bhe King's firmness. On all sides are heard declarations thab if tho King should order the withdrawal of the Greek troops from Crete, Colonel Vassos, who commands bhe army of occupation, alone would return, and that all bhe other officers would join tho forces of the insurgents. A great demonstration, fche dispatch states, has been arranged for March 4bh to urge tho King to remuin inflexible iv the stand he has taken. It is recognized here thab the situation with reference to Crete is becoming extremely grave, and there are many who believe that affairs have already progressed so far as to make a greub European war in the near fubure inevitable. Tho action of tho Powers has postponed tho crisis for a fow days, and it is hoped bhab within bhab time something of a more peaceful character will take place. The noto sent to Athens requested Greece to withdraw its forces from Crete within six days, and was accompanied with hints bhab a refusal would nob bo tolerated. The general opinion is thab Greece will refuse to do as requested, and that when tho bimo has expired a more peremptory note demanding immediate compliance will bo senb. This it is also believed that Greece will refuse to notice. Then if the Powers attempt to enforce ib Greece will declare war againsc Turkey, and will transfer the scene of hostilities to the borders of tho two countries. What will happen then cannot be predicted. Ib is known thab bho connection between the Great Powers is of a very slender character, and that bub little force would bo needed to break ib. Here in Eugland there is a very strong sentiment in favour of Greece and in favour of the annexation of Croto bo that country. Should a rupture among tho Powers occur it would nob be a surprising matter if England backed up Gresco. Should it dec7de to do so, ib will be in readiness to give effective help, for work in the various dock-yards is proceeding with feverish rapidity, and a groat floe* of warships will very soon be ready for business. ; The Athena correspondent of bhe Daily Chronicle " declares bhab no communications have been received from Russia. Ib is quite certain the Greek army will nob be withdrawn. Macedonian forces will be raised within a fow weeks, with a view bo possible conbingencies, and if the Turks attempt to invade Thessaiy the Bulgarian Governmenb is determined to advance its troops instantly to tho iEgean Sea. It ia rumoured that bhe secret national committee has decided to commence operations in Macedonia bo-morrow.