THE RISING IN CRETE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10769, 6 April 1897, Page 2

THE RISING IN CRETE.

MOKE FIGHTING,

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright London, April 5. Mr Curzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Office, in tbe course of a speech at S'juthport, said he did not think the resistance to the scheme of autonomy for Crete as proposed by the Powers was real or permanent. The blockade was a- merciful way of teaching Greece not to fly in the f^ce of Europe. If Greece proclaimed war iv order to revenge herself upon the Powers a more wanton or wicked war could never be waged. The Powers had created and alone could modify the integrity of Turkey. The concert agreed upon by the Powers was the greatest advance in international affairs that tbe ninetsemh century t had se9n. A breach of the treaty obligations would be both cowardly and unwise. ' :

Further severe fighting has taken place in Cr»te. An unfounded report having gained currency • that the admirals bad authorised ths Christians to leave Akrcari, 1000 Mo»leiB8 from Canea attacked the Christian and sbarp fighting followed, lasting three hours. The Moslems finally retreated after losing 50 of their number. Many Christians were killed and their bodies mutilated. The admirals refrained from shelling Moslems observing the approach of the Turkish warship Assari Tewlik. la future the Moslems are to be disarmed by the European guard at the gates of Canea.

The London Times, commenting on the fight, says that the admirals lose a good chance of ahowiug an impartial policy.

Paris, April 5. In the Chamber of. Deputies M. Hanotaux stated that the Powets had ask^d the admirals to decide the. extent of the blockade of Greece.