Evening star., 1897-04-05
CRETE DISCUSSED,
British House of Commons Takes Up
the Eastern Question.


the Eastern Question.
LONDON, April 3.
The parliamentary secretary for the for
eign Office, Mr.. Curzon, was asked several
questions today in the house of commons
on the subject Of Crete. He said that
all the powers excepting Germany would
be represented in Crete by military forces.
and that all the powers. without excep-
ticn. would be represented in Cretan waters
by a naval force.
Continuing. Mr.. Curzon said her majes-
tvs government had not received an Of
fcial explanation as to why Germany was
not sending troops to Crete, but, the secre-
tary explained. her participation in the
European concert was testified to by the
sending of German war-of-war to the
island.
In the opinion of Mr.. Curzon, Germany
was less interested in the Mediterranean
than the great naval powers.
Replying to question as to the negotia-
tions said to be in progress between Greece
and Turkey for settlement of the Cretan
situation, Mr.. Curzon said the government
had not heard of any direct negotiations
between the nations named on that SUBJ
ject.
Questioned by the Liberals.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt. who was
loudly cheered when he rose to speak, said
he wished to ask whether the government
leader (Mr. Balfour) would give the house
the date upon which the Turkish troops
would be withdrawn from Crete. (Cries Of
"Oh'o
Continuing, the liberal leader asked
whether the government intended to en-
ploy the forces of the crown in blockading
Greece. and whether the government could
make statement in the house Of commons
on the situation in Crete and Greece, and
its policy in relation thereto.
Mr. Balfour, who was received with loud
ministerialist cheers. congratulated Sir
William Harcourt on his return to the
house. after his illness. (Cheers) The
government, he continued, had, as Sir WILL
lam knew. represented to the Turkish gov
ernment the advisability of withdrawing
The Turkish troops from the Island of
Crete. and there was no doubt that this
eventually would be secured, but no date
for 1t could be fixed. if for no other rea-
son than because, at present, there were
not sufficient troops on the island to pro-
tect the MuSSulman on-combatantS from
the control of the armed irregulars.
Would Assist In Blockade.
Speaking of the proposed blockade of the
Gulf of Athens. Mr.. Balfour said that, if
such step should be necessary in order
10 maintain peace, the government will
not hesitate to join with the other pow
ers In blockading Greece. cloud conserva-
tive cheers)
In the meanwhile, continued Mr. Balfour
the powers were making a general declara-
ton at Athens and at Constantinople
whereby the maintenance of peace might
he trusted. be obtained. This declaration,
Mr. Balfour explained, was in effect that
in case of a conflict on the frontier the
aggressor would be held responsible for
all the consequences of a disturbance of
the general peace, to which the powers at
tached the greatest Importance; further.
whatever the consequences of the strug-
gle. they would not consent to the ag-
gressor deriving the smallest advantage
therefrom.
In conclusion. Mr.. Balfour remarked that
he thought the house was already In pos
session of all the material relevant facts.
both as regards Crete and the policy of
the government, for preserving peace on
the main land and he could not, at pres
ent, add anything with advantage
The Liberals Intention.
Sir William Harcourt said the house was
very anxious for a full statement from the
government of the policy intended to pur-
sue. and as the government leader (Mr.
Balfour) was not prepared 10 make state
ment, he desired to give notice of motion
which would secure discussion of the sit
uation for the Information of the house
and country.