THE STATE OF CRETE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 248, 16 February 1897, Page 3

THE STATE OF CRETE.

A LIKELY SETTLEMENT OF TIIL DIFFICULTY. A THREAT I ,N E! > 1 JOMBARDMENT. MR GLADSTONE REJOICES AT THE ACTION OF GREECE. 'P< /• J'rr.ss Asslicitlti'lU. I 'lljll/ril/ht. /

I'ai.is. Feb. l "i

Le Temps, commenting on the accord of the Powers on Cretan reforms, perfectly agrees with the attitude assumed by Great Britain in the difficulty, and adds that the onlyquestion now is the realisation of the demands of the Cretans by pacific means.

Yiexxa, Feb. 15

It is feared here that the situation in Crete is escaping from the control of diplomacy. Constantinople, Feb. 15. On the suggestion of Great Britain the Embassies at Constantinople have advised the Powers to occupy Canea, Retimo, and Candia, in Crete, for the protection of the Mussulmen population.

Lo.vi ><) X, Feb. 1.1

The Times states that the commanders of the British, Russian, and French warships at Crete have been ordered to occupy Canea, Retimo, and Heraklion, and also prevent the Turks and Greeks from landing troops and from using their naval forces. Mr Gladstone stated he will be profoundly rejoiced if Greece succeeds a foreign power in Crete ; also he hoped the powers will recollect that it is necessary for them to redeem their own characters.

Athens, Feb. 15

It has transpired that Colonel Vassos has been instructed by the King to preserve order in Crete and virtually occupy the island.

A Greek cruiser threatened to bombard Heraklion if the Christians were outraged.

The cannonade of Canea resulted in much bloodshed.

Georgia Pasha Nerovitch, who was recently appointed Governor of Crete, has resigned, and taken refuge 011 a Russian warship.

The Greek Consuls at Heraklion and Ilalepa have gone aboard their warships.

A Greek cruiser iired on a Turkish transport vessel which was leaving Candia, and compelled her to put back. The British officer warned the Greek commander against repetitions of such action.

The Turks are sending reinforcements amounting to 100,000 men to [Macedonia. Another flotilla left Athens for Crete, and consists of three transports which are conveying ioOO infantry, together with sappers and artillery. These forces are under the command of Colonel Yassos, who has orders to land at Canea.

Before their departure the troops were reviewed by the Crown Prince, who addressed the men in the presence of the Queen and Princesses. Their departure caused frantic enthusiasm.

St. pKTEKSi'.fiu;, Feb. !■>. Thirty-thousand Russian troops are massed at Odessa.