unanimous will of the Great Powers, who on this condition alone could make Turkey abstain from military intervention. M. Onou was instructed to make a representation in this sense to the Greek Government, and to add that the provocative attitude of Greece, and the presence of Greek naval forces in Crete, could not be tolerated by the Great Powers. I have sent instructions by telegraph to Her Majesty's Minister at Athens to support this representation if the Russian Minister should desire it. Sir N. O'Conor. I am, &c., SALISBURY. Sir H. Rumbold to the Marquess of Salisbury.-(Received (Telegraphic.) February 16.) Vienna, February 16, 1897. COUNT GOLUCHOWSKI informs me that the Imperial Government has given its adherence to a proposal emanating from Berlin that a naval demonstration should be made by the Great Powers before the Piræus, and that a demand should be put forward for the withdrawal of Greek ships from Crete and for the abandonment of all military operations. In the event of the Greek Government remaining obdurate a blockade of the Piræus would ensue. This proposal has, I understand, been agreed to by the French and Italian Governments. (Telegraphic.) Mr. Egerton to the Marquess of Salisbury.-(Received February 16.) Athens, February 16, 1897. THE news of the landing of the Greek force at Platania arrived in Athens last night, when an enthusiastic crowd assembled before the Palace. The official "Gazette" publishes the orders to Colonel Vassos, who is instructed to occupy Crete in the name of King George, to restore order, and to drive the Turks from the forts. Mr. Egerton to the Marquess of Salisbury.—(Received February 16.) (Telegraphic.) Athens, February 16, 1897. A REGIMENT left this morning for Crete. Another regiment was sent to Volo last night. The Spetzia, which is expected to arrive from Toulon, will coal here and then proceed to Crete. Sir E. Monson to the Marquess of Salisbury.-(Received February 16., (Telegraphic.) Paris, February 16, 1897. YOUR Lordship's telegram of yesterday, repeating your telegram. of the 14th to Sir N. O'Conor. French Minister for Foreign Affairs expresses great anxiety that immediate instructions should be sent by your Lordship to Mr. Egerton to remonstrate in the most solemn and energetic manner with the Greek Government on their infatuated policy. He hopes that Her Majesty's Minister at Athens will take this step, together with his French and Russian colleagues, who, he believes, have by now received identic instructions to renew their remonstrances. M. Hanotaux thinks that it is possible that the Representatives of the other Powers may already have been instructed to join in this step, to which he considers the greatest publicity should be given. The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir E. Monson. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 16, 1897. INSTRUCTIONS to the following effect were sent yesterday to the British Admiral in Cretan waters : "The action taken by you is approved. "You have authority to take any steps in conjunction with the other Naval Commanders, which may be agreed upon by the Admirals in Council, for the purpose of preventing aggressive action on the part of the Greeks." The Marquess of Salisbury to Sir E. Monson. (Telegraphic.) Foreign Office, February 16, 1897. My immediately preceding telegram. The instructions sent to the British Admiral at Canea give him authority, if his colleagues decide to take that course, to occupy the other two principal ports of Crete. (Telegraphic.) The Marquess of Salisbury to Mr. Egerton. Foreign Office, February 16, 1897. WITH reference to my telegram of yesterday's date, respecting the instructions sent to the Russian Minister at Athens, I have to inform you that Her Majesty's Government have now been You requested by the French Government to join in the remonstrance which they propose to make to the Greek Government. should arrange to join with your French and Russian colleagues, or to give them your support in whatever may be the most effective You should not, however, threaten any specific measures in your communication, nor word it as a personal appeal from the Queen. manner. You should inform your Austrian, German, and Italian colleagues, in case they should desire to associate themselves in this remonstrance. Mr. Egerton to the Marquess of Salisbury.-(Received February 17.) MY LORD, Athens, February 9, 1897. I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith copy of a Proclamation, dated yesterday, of the "Central Cretan Committee" here, asking help for the insurgents, and calling for the annexation of the island to Greece. It is couched in much the same terms as that of the National Committee, copy of which was forwarded to your Lordship in my despatch of the 7th instant. I have, &c., The Marquess of Salisbury. EDWIN H. EGERTON. (Inclosure.)-Proclamation of the Central Cretan Committee. (Translation.) THE Cretan people, waiting for the introduction of the municipal reforms imposed and guaranteed by the European Powers, have suddenly seen, instead of them, massacres and incendiarism, the overturning and laying waste of towns and villages, and everything given over to fire and sword by cruel and barbarous enemies. They have seen all this occurring before the eyes of civilized Europe, in obedience to whose decision but a short time ago they laid down their glorious and victorious arms. To-day, when Turkey violates every pledge, and has replied to the mediation and guarantee of Europe by prodigious unheard-of destruction, the Cretan people take up the common struggle, trusting in the help of the Most High, in their imprescriptible rights, and in the aid of all liberty-loving peoples. Under the standard of their secular national aspiration-the union of Crete with Greece-the nation calls for help and aid to see this aspiration fulfilled, for which rivers of blood have been poured out and innumerable massacres perpetrated. |