The Cretan Crisis.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 6849, 26 March 1897, Page 4

The Cretan Crisis.

(by telegraph.)

(per mail steamer at Auckland). Auckland, March 25. A London despatch of March 4th says : " It is now a matter of practical certainty, and is understood by the Powers themselves, that Greece will refuse to yield to either request or threat. It is expected further that in the event of any pressure whatever from the Powers Greece will declare war against Turkey, and within a few days begin a campaign in Macedonia and Thessaly. It is virtually admitted that the Powers are not prepared for any such exigency, and it is scarcely hoped they will be able to deal with it in harmony; in fact, it is now an open secret that they have been able to reach the present point cf agreement only with the greatest difficulty, and that the bonds which hold them together afc this moment are of the weakest description. The sicuation, indeed, is so threatening that the Government made it known privately to the leaders of the Opposition on 2nd March that it would be unwise and unpatriotic to embarrass them by serious criticism. The debate in the House of Commons on the Cretan question was noted as mild and colorless on the side of the Opposition." Great Britain meantime, following the example of Russia, has begun extraordinary prepirations for any eventuality. Despatches from all the navj yards in the Kingdom on the 2nd say that work has been begun in every department on even a greater scale than when the Flying Squadron was suddenly equipped for sea a year ago. The Athens correspondent of the London Times, under date March 2nd, learns on good authority that the Sultan regards the Cretan imbroglio with cynical satisfaction. He is glad to be relieved of troublesome responsibility. He recently remarked, while rubbing his hands gleefully, " The Powers appear to be getting along well with their protege."