Trouble in Crete.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 21, 16 March 1897, Page 2

Trouble in Crete.

London, March ix. The Powers in a note to Crete state that their decision with regard to Crete is irrevocable, and they will not shrink from any measure of compulsion if Greek warships are not recalled within six days. To this Greece has replied that the recalling of her troops prior to those of Turkey would endanger the safety of Christians, and the proposed scheme of autonomy prove a failure. She emphasied her demand for union with Crete on historic rights and common religion. She would be willing to withdraw her fleets if the troops were permitted to unite with the forces of the Powers in the work of restoring order. Admiral Gariivaro, in command of the com oined fleets, has notified the Greek viceConsul that it is necessary for him to leave Crete. The Admirals of the various fleets have asked the Powers to send immediately 600 men to maintain order in large towns. Reports from Canea state that the Moslems at Candano have now moved, to a plaoa beyond danger.

March xa. Russia, Germany and Austria are pressing the other Powers to apply coercion to Greece. , ' , Italy is understood to be willing to agree to joint control of Crete. .A report from the Consuls at Heraklion confirms the statement that 400 Moslems were massacred at Sitia.

Several children were Wounded; and one child’s ears were cut off.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, replying to an appeal on behalf of the Cretans, says members of the Church of England will pray to the Almighty to give Cretans liberty and justice. In the House of Commons Sir W. V. Harcourt said before acting upon the decision to utalise the forces of the Powers against Crete (? Greece), Parliament should be consulted. Mr Balfour replied that the British bombarded Alexandria in 1882, and blockaded Greece in 1853 without giving notice to Parliament, The Government would not vioiite its traditions in pursuing a policy of liberty for Crete and peace for Europe, and be was not prepared ,to imperil either by giving a pledge which might hamper freedom of action at'a critical moment. Athens, March 12.

The Greek Admiral in Cretan waters has been instructed to ignore the orders of Admiral Canevaro.

Sharp fighting occurred at Gates, Canea, during which 60 Turks were killed. The consequence is a grave outlook in the East. The Greek flagship has left Crete for the Turkish coast.

The Greeks are blockading the Ambradan Gulf, on the coast of Epirus, South Western Turkey. Prince George has been ordered to start for the frontier.

LATER PARTICULARS., London, March 13, The Vienna correspondent of the Times states that the Powers intend to adhere to the programme with regard to the blockade of Crete, as the chief means of compelling Greece to withdraw. According to the Athens correspondent of theTimesthe Greek Government considers the chief danger of Greece lies in the situation of the Turkish (frontier. Athens, March 13. The Admirals of foreign fleets have discovered that Reineck, the Greek Naval Commander, abstained from warning Cretan insurgents that the ships of the Powers would bombard if they threatened Canea. Insurgents were unaware autonomy had been promised Crete. The Greek fleet has virtually withdrawn from Crete. The Greek Government have revised the demands with regard to Crete. They have agreed to the Greek militia acting under the officers of the Powers, but require a plebiscite of Cretans to be taken at the end of three months to determine the form of Government to be established. They also demand that the Powers compel Turkey to withdraw from Crete, and from the Greek frontier. Cretan insurgent chiefs have informed the admirals they are willing to accept autonomy. Moslems in Crete are appealing to the Powers for facilities to emigrate from the island. Athens, March 14. Greece is mobilising her army and navy. Mr Gladstone sent a telegram to Greece saying, “God help your efforts to stop coercion and avert English disgrace ! "