The Cretan Insurrection.

Southland Times, Issue 13699, 10 March 1897, Page 2

The Cretan Insurrection.

GREEK PROPOSALS. THE POWERS WILL NOT YIELD. [United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copybight.] London, March 8. The Athens correspondent of the Times' suggests that Prince George of Greece be. made the head of the government of Crete. This, he says, would satisfy the Greeks and Cretans. ' , The Porte has accepted the proposal of the Powers granting autonomy to Crete, but has: reserved the settlement of details concerning the carrying out of the proposal. Cretan insurgents attempted to blow up a block of houses at Kalatide. The explosion made breaches in the walls and killed four men. .. . .. It is understood that in reply to the demands of the Powers Greece refuses to withdraw her forces from Crete. The Daily News states that the reply of Greece is of such'a nature that it leaves a way open for renewed parleyings. Greece requires an assurance that complete autonomy will be granted to Crete and objects to withdraw her forces before the Turkish forces evacuate the island. From Constantinople it is reported that the Greek embassy has made an offer to the Porte to the effect that Greece _ would withdraw her forces from Macedonia if Turkey would" withdraw her forces from the province. Reports from Athens state that a band of Macedonians captured a Turkish position, near Gravina. Several Radical members addressed a large gathering in Hyde Park to protest against the coercion of Greece by the Powers. Received 9th, 6.10 p.m. M. Melin, the French Premier, has stated that France will not take any steps towards applying coercion to Greece until the Chamber of Deputies has been consulted. March 9. Received 10th, 1 a.m. The Powers, in their note to Greece, state that their decision in regard to Crete is irrevocable and that they will not shrink from any measure of compulsion if the 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 the Christians and the proposed scheme of autonomy would prove a failure. She emphasised her demand for union with Crete on historic rights and common religion. She would be willing to withdraw her fleets if her troops were permitted to unite with the forces of the powers in the work of restoring order. The Times states that this reply will not modify the judgment of the Powers and is an attempt to justify Greece’s conduct by a sophistry which already refutes her action. Admiral Canivaro, in command of the combined fleets, has notified the Greece ViceConsul that it will be 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 the large towns. Reports from Canea state that the Moslems at Candans have now’ moved to places beyond danger.