THE STATE OF CRETE.

Hastings Standard, Issue 277, 22 March 1897, Page 3

THE STATE OF CRETE.

THE POWERS DIVIDE CRETE GREECE RECALLING WARSHIPS. THE INSURGENTS INSIST (» ANNEXATION BY GREECE. A SHARP REPLY DY LORD SALISBURY. TURKISH BOATS FOR CRETE. (/Vr P/V'.s* I piiri'jht). Athens, March 19. The troops of the Power.-; eng.igu' ill the blockade of Crete have be-or divided, the French occupying Situ and Spinalonga, the British Heraklion the Russian Retimo, and the German' Sunda Bay and Canea. The French protested against Britain exclusively occupying Heraklion. The Greek Government is recalling the remaining warships from Cretai: waters. The force under the command of Colonel Ya--os in Crete con sists of 2000 regular soldiers, -»0C volunteers, and 17,000 insurgents. March 20. An interview took place between the Admirals of the foreign fleets and the leading Cretan insurgents. The lattei defiantly insisted on annexation by Greece. The Turks are fortifying the Gulf oi Arte, en the northern frontie-i of Greece. Greece has protested that this action constitutes a violation of the Treaty of Berlin. March 21. The Queen of Greece refused to receive a visit from the Russian ambassador at Athens. CoNSTANTiNopi.F,. March 21. Seven Turkish ironclads, three frigates, and seven torpedo boats passed through the Straits bound for Crete. Their departure created intense enthusiasm. Soma. March 20. Bulgaria is ordering a large quantity of cannons. Lom.on, March 20. Lord Salisbury stated that the refusal contained in the speeches delivered by Sir \V. Y. Ilarcourt and the Earl of Kimberley at Norwich to maintain the integrity of Turkey disregarded the basis of the policy of Europe and was a heavy blow to Britain's influence. Greece had no shred of right to Crete under international law. Federal action on the part of Europe was the onlyhope of peace. Dealing with MiGladstone's attacks he said it would be difficult to maintain the concert of the Powers if an irresponsible statesman influenced by poetical, rhapsodical, and classical impulse* flung insults at the principal rulers. The present Government would maintain inviolate the integrity of Turkey without they obtained Europe's authority.