THE CRETAN CRISIS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11224, 23 March 1897, Page 5

THE CRETAN CRISIS.

DESPATCH OP TURKISH "WARSHIPS. A BLOCKADE PROCLAIMED. COLONEL YASSOS DEFIANT. GREECE AND TURKEY. [Per Press Association. ! ATHENS, March 21. The Queen of Greece refused to receive a visit from the Russian Ambassador at Athens. March 22. In accordance with the decision of the Powers the blockade of Crete was proclaimed yesterday. Colonel Yassos declares that he will resist the blockade, and has arranged for an immediate conference with the Cretan insurgents with a view to concerted measures of resistance. Two thousand Christians in Syria and Palestine are preparing to fight. The Greek Government has informed the Turkish Commandant at Frevesa, on the Gulf ’of Arta, that the erection of forts there is contrary to the terms of the Berlin Treaty. Servia has mobilised her reserves near the frontier. LONDON, March 21. Lord Salisbury is suffering from influenza, and is unable to attend Cabinet meetings. March 22. '' The Athens correspondent of the Daily News wires that eighty thousand Greek troops are massed on the Turkish frontier, seventeen thousand on the Gulf of Arta, and other bodies of troops at Larissa and Trikala. The Athens correspondent of the says that the Greek Government would gladly defer to Europe’s will if the Turkish troops were withdrawn when the troops of the Powers arrived, CONSTANTINOPLE, March 21.

Seven Turkish ironclads, three frigates and seven torpedo boats passed through the Strait, bound for Crete. Their departure created intense enthusiasm.