The Great Powers have acted with more decision than we
expected. They have communicated a collective Note to M. Delyannis, stating that, in the absence of any just cause of war with Turkey, a naval attack on that Power will not be permitted. The Note was made more imperative by being handed in to the Greek Premier by the British Minister at Athens, the Envoy who represents the one Power which, by a mere telegram, could order the necessary force to destroy the Greek fleet. The Government of Athens at first took a high tone, declared that it would fight when and where it liked, and sent away its fleet with sealed orders ; but it has, on reflection, cooled down. It is felt in Athens that if even Great Britain disapproves Greek conduct, Greece has nothing to do but yield, more especially as action is physically impossible. The fleet could do nothing in Crete, whither the Sultan is despatching 19,000 troops. The British fleet in the Mediterranean can concentrate in three days, and a squadron which the Greek fleet could not face has been ordered to Crete, where it will be supported by a French and a German ironclad of the first class. The Greeks are very bitter, and the Mayor of Athens appealed to Mr. Gladstone; but he replied by telegram advising Greece to submit to a European decision.
Previous page
