11 DECEMBER 1909, Page 2

The Athens correspondent of the Times sent to the issue

of Monday the report of a conversation he had lately with the King of Greece. The King, who thought the situation "rather less acute," expressed his appreciation of the good feeling among the Greek people generally. As regards the Cretan question, he believed that a solution might yet be found. He was emphatic in his desire to remain on friendly terms with Turkey, and had himself assured the Turkish Minister of the pacific intentions of Greece. We note that the four protect- ing Powers have agreed upon the answer they will deliver shortly to the Turkish demand that the form of government in Crete should be finally settled under the sovereignty of the Sultan. In our opinion, no better solution can seriously be hoped for than the existing situation. Turkish suzerainty is maintained and Crete governs herself. Unhappily, the Turkish Government has to satisfy a certain forward opinion, and the Cretans are credited with the hopeless intention of electing and sending Deputies to the Greek Chamber. If these Deputies should really be sent, it will of course be the duty of the Greek Government to refuse to receive them.