INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXIII, Issue 1182, 5 March 1897, Page 6

INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

As a result of the presence of the Greek warships the Christians and Moslems of Selino have" asked the Powers to occupy the town, declaring that 300 men are insufficient for the purpose.

The admirals of the combined fleets being unable to spare marines could not comply with the request from the people of Selino.

The Governor's palace at Oanea has been destroyed by fire, evidently the work of an incendiary. The Governor's safe, containing L7OOO, fell into the tire from the upper storey. Marines formed a cordon round the debris to prevent the mob plundering, an action which nearly caused a riot.

The Powers have unanimously decided to grant Greta an extensive scheme of autonomy and to confer on it the privilpge? of provide While undertaking these reforms afc home the connecting link with Turkey is to be retained. The Powers will also order the Turkish troops and administration to be withdrawn from the island as early as possible, while Greece will also be summarily ordered to evacuate th«

positions taken up there. In the event of the latter country's refusal coercion

will be used, and ultimately a blockade will be resorted to.

. Mr Goshen, speaking at the Oarlton Club, said the Government of Crete would remaiu with the European powers, which might save the world from great danger.

The Titpes considers that a great diplomatic success has been achieved and that the representatives of the Powers have earned the gratitude of those who love peace.

All the Cretan archives and land titles were destroyed in the fire o£ the Governor's palace.

Mr Gladstone, in a letter dealing with the proposals to settle the Cretan difficulty, accuses the Powers of filling up the .neasureof their own dishonour.

In the House of , Lords Lord Salisbury announced the decision of the Great Powers in regard to Orete. He believed that the allied Powers had agreed upon a policy of administrative autonomy, with the necessary condition that the occupation by Greece should cease and Orete remain a portion of Turkey. If Turkey and Greece refuse to withdraw from the island when required to do so the Powers would enforce their decision. Turkey would %vithdraw from Crete when autonomy was established, except that it would retain an indication of sovereignty over the island similar to Samos. The Greek troops would withdraw at an earlier date than the Turkish. The Athens correspondent of The Times wires that M. Delyannis, the Premier, and the Kins; refuse to give a promise to withdraw from Crete. The Greek populace continue furious. The combined fleets will blockade the entire Cretan coast, and are prepared to seize all provision ships. The Turkish Government continue preparations unceasingly on the Greek frontier. Outside of Athpns the Europpan Powers are satisfied with the solution of the Cretan difficulty. The King of Greece is profoundly amazed at the attitude of the Powers with regard to Crete, and the Greek Government havg called out the reserves, The Powers allowed Greece four j days within which to yield to their | ultimatum.